Screen sharing system, screen sharing method, and display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A screen sharing system includes a first display apparatus including first circuitry; and a second display apparatus including second circuitry. Both of the first display apparatus and the second display apparatus display an input screen. The first circuitry of the first display apparatus is configured to receive first hand drafted input data that is input to the first display apparatus, and set an edit authority, of a user of the second display apparatus, for the first hand drafted input data. The second circuitry of the second display apparatus is configured to restrict editing of the firsthand drafted input data based on the edit authority of the user set by the first display apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2021-042006, filedon Mar. 16, 2021, and 2021-182282, filed on Nov. 9, 2021, in the JapanPatent Office, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a screen sharing system,a screen sharing method, and a display apparatus.

Related Art

Display apparatuses that allow multiple users to input handwriting areused in meetings and the like in companies, educational institutions,and administrative institutions, for example. Further, technologies areknown that enable multiple users to participate in a teleconference fromdifferent locations and to input handwriting to the same screen fromtheir own locations respectively, while sharing display screens, eachbeing displayed at each of the different locations.

Furthermore, technologies are known that restrict editing of handwritinginput contents shared by multiple users to prevent unintended editingoperations. For example, there is disclosed a method according to which,in a system in which data having multiple objects are shared amongmultiple apparatuses provided respectively in different locations, aparticular terminal apparatus that has selected an object most recentlyacquires authority for editing the object. Further, there is disclosed amethod of prohibiting an operation from another electronic whiteboard ona stroke image designated by a group operation request for the purposeof preventing an operation different from an intention of a user frombeing performed.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a screen sharingsystem. The screen sharing system includes a first display apparatusincluding first circuitry, and a second display apparatus includingsecond circuitry. Both of the first display apparatus and the seconddisplay apparatus display an input screen. The first circuitry of thefirst display apparatus is configured to receive first hand draftedinput data that is input to the first display apparatus, and set an editauthority, of a user of the second display apparatus, for the first handdrafted input data. The second circuitry of the second display apparatusis configured to restrict editing of the first hand drafted input databased on the edit authority of the user set by the first displayapparatus.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a screen sharingmethod performed by a screen sharing system including a first displayapparatus and a second display apparatus. Both of the first displayapparatus and the second display apparatus display an input screen. Thescreen sharing method includes receiving, by the first displayapparatus, first hand drafted input data that is input to the firstdisplay apparatus. The screen sharing method includes setting, by thefirst display apparatus, an edit authority of a user of the seconddisplay apparatus for first hand drafted input data. The screen sharingmethod includes restricting, by the second display apparatus, editing ofthe first hand drafted input data based on the edit authority of theuser set by the First display apparatus.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a displayapparatus. The display apparatus includes a display that displays aninput screen which is displayed by another display apparatus. Thedisplay apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured toreceive authority information from the another display apparatus, theauthority information indicating an edit authority of a user of thedisplay apparatus for editing hand drafted input data input to theanother display apparatus. The circuitry is configured to restrictediting of the hand drafted input data by the user based on the receivedauthority information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendantadvantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understoodfrom the following detailed description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configurationof a screen sharing system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of how an electronicwhiteboard is used, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of an electronic whiteboard, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of a personal computer (PC), according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of a communication management apparatus, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relation between a sharingarea shared by a plurality of display apparatuses and display screens,each being displayed on each of the display apparatuses, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data input using avirtual keyboard, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functionalconfiguration of the screen sharing system, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a userinformation management table, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure:

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an eventinformation management table, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view of an example of a metadata file, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view of an example of a handwriting input data file,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an authorityinformation management table, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure:

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofdisplaying a screen at the start of an event, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example of the sharing area, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofsetting authority for another user, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure:

FIG. 17A is an illustration of an example of a display screen, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is an illustration of an example of an authority settingscreen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure:

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example of an authority setting screen,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is an illustration of another example of the authority settingscreen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation ofdisplay handwriting input data that is input by another user, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21A, FIG. 21B, and FIG. 21C are illustrations of display screensdisplayed by the plurality of display apparatuses respectively,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22A is an illustration of an example of a non-sharing notification,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22B is an illustration of an example of a viewing restrictionnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of another example of the non-sharingnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of another example of the non-sharingnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofrequesting viewing to another user, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 26A is an illustration of another example of the viewingrestriction notification, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26B is an illustration of an example of a viewing requestnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure:

FIG. 27A is an illustration of an example of a viewing permissionnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27B is an illustration of an example of a viewing denialnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation ofediting handwriting input data that is input by another user, accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is an illustration of an example of an edit restrictionnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofrequesting edit authority to another user, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 31A is an illustration of another example of the edit restrictionnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31B is an illustration of an example of an edit authority requestnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A is an illustration of an example of an edit authority approvalnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32B is an illustration of an example of an edit authority denialnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation ofrestricting edit of handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is an illustration of another example of the edit restrictionnotification, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is an illustration of another example of the authority settingscreen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is an illustration of an example of an authority changerecommendation screen, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of how for explaining anexample of how writing layers of users are superimposed one on theother, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is an illustration of an example of an edit operation selectionscreen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is an illustration of another example of the edit operationselection screen, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40A and FIG. 40B are illustrations for describing an example ofswitching of an edit operation based on writing pressure, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functionalconfiguration of the screen sharing system, according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation ofrestricting viewing of handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofrequesting viewing to another user, according to the second embodimentof the present disclosure:

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation ofrestricting edit of handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofrequesting edit authority to another user, according to the secondembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how a sharingarea is displayed at a plurality of display apparatuses, according to avariation of the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of displayscreen information, according to a variation of the embodiments of thepresent disclosure:

FIG. 48 is a view of an example of a metadata file, according to avariation of the embodiments of the present disclosure:

FIG. 49 is a view of an example of an object data file, according to avariation of the embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 50 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a screeninformation management table, according to a variation of theembodiments of the present disclosure.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of thepresent invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scopethereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn toscale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar referencenumerals designate identical or similar components throughout theseveral views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosureof this specification is not intended to be limited to the specificterminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specificelement includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function,operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference tothe drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements aredenoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptionsthereof are omitted.

First Embodiment

System Configuration:

First, referring to FIG. 1, an overview of a screen sharing system 1 isdescribed according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagramillustrating an example of an overall configuration of the screensharing system 1. The screen sharing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is asystem that allows a plurality of display apparatuses 10 to share datathat can be displayed on the display apparatuses.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the screen sharing system 1 includes a displayapparatus 10A1, a display apparatus 10B, and a display apparatus 10C,which are respectively provided at different sites, e.g., a site A, asite B, and a site C, and a communication management apparatus 50A. Thedisplay apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C, and the communication management apparatus 50A includedin the screen sharing system 1 are communicable with each other througha communication network 5. The communication network 5 is implemented bythe Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network(LAN), etc. The communication network 5 includes a network by not onlywired communications but also a network by wireless communications suchas 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G),Wireless Fidelity® (Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for MicrowaveAccess (WiMAX) or Long Term Evolution (LTE).

Each of the display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and thedisplay apparatus 10C is a computer having a user hand drafted inputcapability, a communication capability, and a display capability. Thedisplay apparatus 10A1 is, for example, an electronic whiteboard locatedat the site A. The display apparatus 10B is, for example, a mobilelaptop computer used at the site B. The display apparatus 10C is, forexample, a mobile tablet personal computer (PC) used at the site C. Thedisplay apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C perform remote communication while sharing an object inputby user hand drafted input, such as handwriting and drawing. Users A, B,and C conduct an event such as a teleconference while viewing a displayscreen in which display contents are shared at the sites. Theteleconference is merely one example of the event. Examples of the eventinclude, but are not limited to, a distance learning, a remote medicalexamination, an online meeting, an online consultation, and a simpleconversation over the communication network 5.

In the present disclosure, “hand drafted input” relates to a user inputsuch as handwriting, drawing and other forms of input. The hand draftedinput may be performed via touch interface, with a tactile object suchas a pen or stylus or with the user's body. The hand drafted input mayalso be performed via other types of input, such as gesture-based input,hand motion tracking input or other touch-free input by a user. Thefollowing discussion will refer to handwriting input and handwritinginput data, but other forms of hand drafted input may be utilized andare within the scope of the present disclosure.

The display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C communicate screen information such as handwriting inputdata that is input by handwriting with one another. The handwritinginput data is data used for displaying (reproducing) a display screenincluding objects handwritten by the user A, user B, and user C on thedisplay apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C, respectively. The handwriting input data includes, forexample, coordinate data, line width data, line color data, vector data,and data indicating writing pressure at which a stroke is drawn.

The display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C exchange handwriting input data for displaying an objectto be shared, to enable users using the screen sharing system 1 sharethe same object. The object is an image indicating a line, etc., writtenby the user by handwriting input with an electronic pen, for example.The object is displayed by the handwriting input data representingpoints that indicate coordinates on the display.

The electronic whiteboard and the PC are merely examples of the displayapparatus 10. The electronic whiteboard can be any suitable apparatusinstalled with software that execute a handwriting input capability, acommunication capability, and a display capability. Further, the PCincludes, for example, a smartphone, a wearable terminal, a smartwatch,a car navigation terminal, a game console, a telepresence robot, and amedical device.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the screen sharing system 1includes the plurality of display apparatuses 10 (i.e., the displayapparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the display apparatus10C) at three sites (i.e., the site A, the site B, and the site C). Inanother example, the screen sharing system 1 may include the pluralityof display apparatuses 10 at one site. In another example, the screensharing system 1 includes the plurality of display apparatus 10 at twosites, in each of which the display apparatus is located or used. Instill another example, the screen sharing system 1 includes theplurality of display apparatus 10 at four or more sites, in each ofwhich the display is located or used. In a case where the plurality ofdisplay apparatus 10 are located in one site, the number of sites can beone. In the following description, the display apparatus 10A 1, thedisplay apparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C are referred tocollectively as a “display apparatus 10”, unless they need to bedistinguished from each other.

The communication management apparatus 50A is a server computer thatcentrally manages login authentication from the display apparatus 10A1,the display apparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C, communicationstatuses of the display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, andthe display apparatus 10C, and screen data for sharing. Further, thecommunication management apparatus 50A relays the screen data to beshared among the display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, andthe display apparatus 10C.

The communication management apparatus 50A can be implemented by asingle server computer or can be implemented by a plurality of servercomputers. The description is given of an example in which thecommunication management apparatus 50A is a server computer that residesin a cloud environment. In another example, the communication managementapparatus 50A is a server operating on the display apparatus 10 such asan electronic whiteboard. In still another example, the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A is a server that resides in an on-premisesenvironment.

Use Scenario of Electronic Whiteboard:

Referring to FIG. 2, a description is provided of how an electronicwhiteboard as an example of the display apparatus 10 is used. FIG. 2 isa diagram for describing an example of how the electronic whiteboard isused. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic whiteboard as an exampleof the display apparatus 10 includes a plurality of legs 251 each havinga plurality of casters on the lower side, a support 252 provided on theupper side of the plurality of legs 251, and a main body 253 of theelectronic whiteboard provided on top of the support 252, and a display280 provided on the front surface of the main body 253. The main body253 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 201 and the like describedbelow. The user can input (draw) an object such as characters on thedisplay 280 using an electronic pen 290. The display 280 is an exampleof a display (display device).

Hardware Configuration:

Next, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, examples of hardware configurationsof each apparatus, device, and terminal of the screen sharing system 1are described, according to the first embodiment. In the hardwareconfigurations illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, certain hardwareelements may be added or omitted as needed.

Hardware Configuration of Electronic Whiteboard:

Referring to FIG. 3, a hardware configuration of the electronicwhiteboard as an example of the display apparatus 10 is described. FIG.3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configurationof the electronic whiteboard. Each hardware element of the electronicwhiteboard as an example of the display apparatus 10 is denoted by areference numeral in 200 series. As illustrated in FIG. 3, theelectronic whiteboard includes a CPU 201, a read only memory (ROM) 202,a random access memory (RAM) 203, a solid state drive (SSD) 204, anetwork interface (I/F) 205, and an external device connection I/F 206.

The CPU 201 controls overall operation of the electronic whiteboard. TheROM 202 stores a control program such as an initial program loader (IPL)to boot the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201.The SSD 204 stores various data such as a control program for theelectronic whiteboard. The network I/F 205 controls communication withthe communication network 5. The external device connection I/F 206controls communication with an external device such as a universalserial bus (USB) memory 230, a PC 270, a microphone 240, a speaker 250,or a camera 260.

The electronic whiteboard further includes a capturing device 211, agraphics processing unit (GPU) 212, a display controller 213, a contactsensor 214, a sensor controller 215, an electronic pen controller 216, ashort-range communication circuit 219, an antenna 219 a of theshort-range communication circuit 219, a power switch 222, and selectionswitches 223.

The capturing device 211 acquires image data of an image displayed on adisplay 280, as an example of a display (display device), under controlof the display controller 213, and stores the image data in the RAM 203,for example. The GPU 212 is a semiconductor chip (processor) dedicatedto processing a graphical image. The display controller 213 controls andmanages a screen display to output an image output from the capturingdevice 211 or the GPU 212 to the display 280, for example. The contactsensor 214 detects a touch onto the display 280 with the electronic pen290 or a user's hand H. The sensor controller 215 controls processingperformed by the contact sensor 214. The contact sensor 214 senses atouch input to a specific coordinate on the display 220 using theinfrared blocking system. More specifically, the display 280 is providedwith two light receiving elements disposed on both upper side ends ofthe display 280, and a reflector frame surrounding the sides of thedisplay 280. The light receiving elements emit a plurality of infraredrays in parallel to a surface of the display 280. The light receivingelements receive lights passing in the direction that is the same as anoptical path of the emitted infrared rays, which are reflected by thereflector frame. The contact sensor 214 outputs an identifier (ID) ofthe infrared ray that is blocked by an object (such as the user's hand)after being emitted from the two light receiving elements, to the sensorcontroller 215. Based on the ID of the infrared ray, the sensorcontroller 215 detects a specific coordinate that is touched by theobject. The electronic pen controller 216 communicates with theelectronic pen 290 to detect contact by the tip or bottom of theelectronic pen with the display 280. The short-range communicationcircuit 219 is a communication circuit that communicates in compliancewith the near field communication (NFC), the Bluetooth®, and the like.The power switch 222 turns on or off the power of the electronicwhiteboard. The selection switches 223 are a group of switches foradjusting brightness, hue, etc., of display on the display 280, forexample.

The electronic whiteboard further includes a bus line 210. The bus line210 is an address bus or a data bus that electrically connects theelements illustrated in FIG. 3, such as the CPU 201, to each other.

The contact sensor 214 is not limited to the infrared blocking systemtype, and may be a different type of detector, such as a capacitancetouch panel that identifies the contact position by detecting a changein capacitance, a resistance film touch panel that identifies thecontact position by detecting a change in voltage of two opposedresistance films, or an electromagnetic induction touch panel thatidentifies the contact position by detecting electromagnetic inductioncaused by contact of an object to a display. In addition to or inalternative to detecting a touch by the tip or bottom of the electronicpen 290, the electronic pen controller 216 may also detect a touch byanother part of the electronic pen 290, such as a part held by a hand ofthe user.

Hardware Configuration of PC:

Referring to FIG. 4, a hardware configuration of the PC as an example ofthe display apparatus 10 is described. FIG. 4 is a block diagramillustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the PC. Eachhardware element of the PC as an example of the display apparatus 10 isdenoted by a reference numeral in 300 series. As illustrated in FIG. 4,the PC includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a hard disk (HD) 304, ahard disk drive (HDD) controller 305, a display 306, an external deviceconnection I/F 307, a network I/F 308, a bus line 310, a keyboard 311, apointing device 312, an audio input/output I/F 313, a microphone 314, aspeaker 315, a camera 316, a digital versatile disk-rewritable (DVD-RW)drive 317, and a medium I/F 319.

The CPU 301 controls overall operation of the PC. The CPU 301 is anarithmetic device that reads programs and data stored in, for example,the ROM 302 or the HD 304 to the RAM 303 and executes processingaccording to the programs or data to implement functions of the PC. TheROM 302 is a nonvolatile memory in which a control program such as anIPL used for booting the CPU 301 are stored. The RAM 303 is a volatilememory used as a work area for the CPU 301. The HD 304 stores variousdata such as a control program. The HDD controller 305 controls readingor writing of various data to or from the HD 304 under control of theCPU 301. The display 306 displays various information such as a cursor,menu, window, characters, or image. In one example, the display 306 is atouch panel display provided with an input device. The display 306 is anexample of a display (display device). The external device connectionI/F 307 is an interface that connects the PC to various externaldevices. Examples of the external devices include, but are not limitedto, a USB memory and a printer. The network I/F 308 is an interface thatcontrols communication of data with an external device through thecommunication network 5. The bus line 310 is an address bus or a databus, which electrically connects the hardware elements in FIG. 4 such asthe CPU 301.

The keyboard 311 is an example of an input device (input means)including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numericalvalues, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 312 isan example of an input device (input means) that allows a user to selector execute a specific instruction, select a target for processing, ormove a cursor being displayed. The keyboard 311 and the pointing device312 are merely examples of the input device (input means). In anotherexample, a touch panel, a voice input device, or the like is used as theinput device (input means). The audio input/output I/F 313 is a circuitfor inputting or outputting an audio signal to the microphone 314 orfrom the speaker 315 under control of the CPU 301. The microphone 314 isan example of audio collecting device, which is a built-in type, capableof inputting audio. The speaker 315 is an example of an output device,which is a built-in type, capable of outputting an audio signal. Thecamera 316 is an example of an imaging device, which is a built-in type,capable of capturing a subject obtain image data. Note that themicrophone 314, the speaker 315, and the camera 316 may be an externaldevice in alternative to the built-in device of the PC. The DVD-RW drive317 controls reading or writing of various data from or to a DVD-RW 318,which is an example of a removable storage medium. In alternative to theDVD-RW, any storage medium may be used such as a digital versatiledisk-recordable (DVD-R) and Blu-Ray® disk. The medium I/F 319 controlsreading or writing (storing) of data with from or to a storage medium321 such as a flash memory.

Hardware Configuration of Communication Management Apparatus:

Referring to FIG. 5, a hardware configuration of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A is described. FIG. 5 is a block diagramillustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A. Each hardware element of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A is denoted by a reference numeral in 500series. The communication management apparatus 50A is implemented by acomputer as illustrated in FIG. 5 including a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM503, an HD 504, an HDD controller 505, a display 506, an external deviceconnection I/F 508, a network I/F 509, a bus line 510, a keyboard 511, apointing device 512, a DVD-RW drive 514, and a medium I/F 516.

The CPU 501 controls overall operation of the communication managementapparatus 50A. The CPU 501 is an arithmetic device that reads programsand data stored in, for example, the ROM 502 or the HD 504 to the RAM503 and executes processing according to the programs or data toimplement functions of the communication management apparatus 50A. TheROM 502 is a nonvolatile memory in which a control program such as anIPL used for booting the CPU 501 are stored. The RAM 503 is a volatilememory used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores variousdata such as a control program. The HDD controller 505 controls readingor writing of various data to or from the HD 504 under control of theCPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor,menu, window, characters, or image. The external device connection I/F508 is an interface that connects the communication management apparatus50A to various external devices. Examples of the external devicesinclude, but are not limited to, a USB memory. The network I/F 509 is aninterface that controls communication of data with an external devicethrough the communication network 5. The bus line 510 is, for example,an address bus or a data bus, which electrically connects the elementssuch as the CPU 501 illustrated in FIG. 5.

The keyboard 511 is an example of an input device including a pluralityof keys for inputting characters, numerical values, variousinstructions, and the like. The pointing device 512 is an example of aninput device that allows a user to select or execute a specificinstruction, select a target for processing, or move a cursor beingdisplayed. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of variousdata from or to a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable storagemedium. In alternative to the DVD-RW, any storage medium may be usedsuch as a DVD-R and Blu-Ray® disk. The medium I/F 516 controls readingor writing (storing) of data from or to a storage medium 515 such as aflash memory.

Any one of the above-described control programs may be recorded in afile in a format installable or executable on a computer-readablestorage medium for distribution. Examples of the storage medium include,but are not limited to, a compact disk-recordable (CD-R), a DVD, aBlu-Ray® disk, a secure digital (SD) card, and a USB memory. Inaddition, such recording medium may be provided in the form of a programproduct to users within a certain country or outside that country. Forexample, the display apparatus 10 executes the control program toimplement a display control method according to the present disclosure.

Overview:

Referring to FIG. 6, a description is provided of a relation between asharing area and display screens. The sharing area is shared between thedisplay apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C. The display screens are displayed by the displayapparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, the display apparatus 10C,respectively. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationbetween the sharing area shared by a plurality of display apparatuses 10and the display screens, each being displayed on each of the displayapparatuses.

In FIG. 6, the display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, andthe display apparatus 10C share objects drawn on their respectivedisplays as a sharing area, to conduct an event such as ateleconference. The sharing area is a handwriting input area that isshared by a plurality of users and receives handwriting inputs by theplurality of users. The sharing area is also referred to as awhiteboard, a shared canvas, a handwriting input area, a drawing area,or a writing area, for example. The display apparatus 10A1, the displayapparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C exchange handwriting inputdata for displaying objects drawn on the display apparatuses. Thus, thesharing area is displayed on a display screen as being shared.

The sharing area is an expandable area. In other words, the sharing areais an area in which handwriting can be input without any sizerestrictions. The sharing area includes, for example, a so-calledinfinite canvas or a finite canvas. In other words, the sharing area isan area larger than an area that can be displayed on a display screen ofthe display apparatus 10. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each ofthe display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the displayapparatus 10C displays at least a part of the sharing area on thedisplay screen. The display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B,and the display apparatus 10C displays a part of the sharing areainstead of displaying the entire area. This makes it easy for a user toperform handwriting input and to recognize content of an object input byhandwriting. Further, since the display apparatus 10A1, the displayapparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C can display different areasof the sharing area, the user can view a desired area while the event isbeing conducted.

In a case that a plurality of users performs a collaborative work usingthe sharing area, writing contents may overlap when the users performwriting to the same area at the same time. If writings overlapunintentionally, one or more writings should be moved or erased.However, if the users are authorized to operate any writings, theoperation is cumbersome, and the work efficiency of the collaborativework degrades. For preventing an inadvertent edit in such acollaborative work by a plurality of users, a user has difficulty inusing an area for writing extensively and in performing writing usingwriting by another user. Further, authority for editing handwritinginput data that is input to a handwriting input screen cannot be set ona user-by-user basis. Also, an operation for setting the restriction ofediting is complicated. These may cause a problem in user's operability.

To address the above issues, the screen sharing system 1 can setauthority such as edit authority and viewing authority based on whichother users are authorized to edit and view handwriting input data(written content) input by a user. Only a user having the authority ispermitted to perform an editing operation or view the handwriting inputdata. The screen sharing system 1 restricts a user who does not have theauthority from performing the editing operation or viewing handwritinginput data that is input. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 sets, foreach of multiple users, user's authority with respect to handwritinginput data that is input. Further, the screen sharing system 1 allows auser to extensively use the handwriting input screen without worryingabout operations by other users, and at the same time, preventsinadvertent editing.

In another example, in the screen sharing system 1, data may be inputusing input means such as a keyboard instead of or in addition tohandwriting input data. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example ofdata input using a virtual keyboard. First, a text editor application isactivated in the display apparatus 10A 1 configured to display thesharing area (handwriting input area) as illustrated in FIG. 6. At thistime, it is assumed that a predetermined text editor area 1111 isdisplayed on a display screen 100A of the display apparatus 10A1. Anysuitable text editor that is generally know can be used. In the state inwhich the text editor area 1111 is being displayed, when a predeterminedselection is received by an operation to a setting button 150 displayedon the display screen 100A, the virtual keyboard 1121 as illustrated inFIG. 7 is displayed at a certain position on the display screen 100A.Specifically, the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG. 3 may control the GPU 212and the display controller 213 to read out a template of the virtualkeyboard stored in advance in a predetermined area of the ROM 202 or theSSD 204, to display the template as the virtual keyboard 1121 in acertain area of the display 280.

Then, for example, when the user of the display apparatus 10A1 enters adesired word, character string, number, sentence, or the like using thevirtual keyboard 1121, the desired word, character string, number,sentence, or the like is input at a position of a cursor displayed inthe text editor area 1111 in synchronization with the timing when thedesired word, character string, number, sentence, or the like isentered. In another example, when a predetermined selection is receivedby an operation to the setting button 150 displayed on the displayscreen 100A, the activation of the predetermined text editor area 1111and the displaying of the virtual keyboard 1121 are performedconcurrently. The above-described data input using the input means suchas the virtual keyboard can be performed at any other site such as thesite C illustrated in FIG. 1 than at the site A where the displayapparatus 10A1 is used.

In a case that the display apparatus 10B and the display apparatus 10A1illustrated in FIG. 6 are connected by wire or wirelessly, the keyboard311 of the display apparatus 10B may function as the input device (inputmeans) that allows a user to input the desired word, character string,number, sentence, or the like in the text editor area 1111, instead ofthe virtual keyboard 1121 illustrated in FIG. 7. Specifically, keys ofthe keyboard 311 of the display apparatus 10B may cooperate(synchronize) with keys of the virtual keyboard 1121 displayed on thedisplay apparatus 10A1, so that the desired word, character string,number, sentence, or the like input at the display apparatus 10B areinput at a position where the cursor is being displayed in the texteditor area 1111 displayed on the display apparatus 10A1. In oneexample, the providing a user interface (UI) as described above allows auser to set predetermined edit authority.

Functional Configuration:

Referring to FIG. 8 to FIG. 13, a functional configuration of the screensharing system 1 is described according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration ofthe screen sharing system 1. FIG. 8 illustrates a part of apparatusesand terminals of FIG. 1, which are related to processing or operationdescribed below.

Functional Configuration of Display Apparatus:

Referring to FIG. 8, functional configurations of the display apparatus10A1, the display apparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C aredescribed. Since the display apparatus 10A1, the display apparatus 10B,and the display apparatus 10C have the same or substantially the samefunctions, the functions of the display apparatus 10 are describedbelow. The display apparatus 10 includes a transmission/reception unit11, a reception unit 12, a display control unit 13, a determination unit14, a sharing area generation unit 15, a screen data generation unit 16,a setting unit 17, an edit restriction unit 18, a non-sharingnotification unit 19, a viewing request notification unit 21, an editauthority request notification unit 22, a recommendation notificationunit 23, a selection unit 24, a detection unit 25, an external devicecommunication unit 26, and a storing/reading unit 29. These units arefunctions that are implemented by or that are caused to function byoperating any of the hardware elements illustrated in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4in cooperation with the instructions of the CPU 201 according to thecontrol program expanded from the SSD 204 to the RAM 203 or theinstruction of the CPU 301 according to the control program expandedfrom the HD 304 to the RAM 303. The display apparatus 10 furtherincludes a storage unit 1000 that is implemented by the ROM 202, the SSD204, or the USB memory 230 illustrated in FIG. 3, or the ROM 302, the HD304, or the storage medium 321 illustrated in FIG. 4.

The transmission/reception unit 11 is mainly implemented by the networkI/F 205 that operates according to instructions of the CPU 201, or thenetwork I/F 308 that operates according to instructions of the CPU 301.The transmission/reception unit 11 transmits or receives various data orinformation to or from other apparatuses or terminals through thecommunication network 5.

The reception unit 12 is mainly implemented by the contact sensor 214and the electronic pen controller 216 that operate according toinstructions of CPU 201, or the pointing device 312 or the touch panel309 that operates according to instructions of the CPU 301. Thereception unit 12 receives various inputs from a user.

The display control unit 13 is mainly implemented by the displaycontroller 213 that operates according to instructions of the CPU 201,or instructions of the CPU 301. The display control unit 13 controls thedisplay 280 or the display 306 to display a drawn-image, or to accessthe communication management apparatus 50A using a web browser or thelike to display various screen data. Specifically, the display controlunit 13 activates and executes various applications that operate on anoperating system (OS), to control the display 280 or the display 306 todisplay various screens drawn by an application programming interface(API) provided by the OS.

The determination unit 14A, which is mainly implemented by instructionsof the CPU 201 or the CPU 301, performs various determinations. Thesharing area generation unit 15, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 201 or the CPU 301, generates the sharing areathat is displayed as being shared with the other display apparatuses 10.

The screen data generation unit 16, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 201 or the CPU 301, generates screen data of thesharing area. The screen data generation unit 16 generates handwritinginput data and an image of an object based on a handwriting inputreceived by the reception unit 12. Further, the screen data generationunit 16 generates an image of an object based on handwriting input datareceived by the transmission/reception unit 11. The screen datageneration unit 16 converts an object obtained by, for example, ahandwriting input on the display by a user into coordinate data. Forexample, when the display apparatus 10 at a certain site transmitscoordinate data to the display apparatuses 10 at other sites, each ofthe display apparatuses 10 at other sites displays an object of the samecontent on the own display based on the coordinate data. Further, thescreen data generation unit 16 generates metadata relating to a displaylog of the display screen. The metadata and the handwriting input datagenerated by the screen data generation unit 16 are examples of log dataindicating a conduct history of conducted events.

The setting unit 17, which is mainly implemented by instructions of theCPU 201 or the CPU 301, sets various authorities for handwriting inputdata input by a user who uses the display apparatus 10 to another userwho use another display apparatus 10. For example, the setting unit 17sets edit authority based on which another user is authorized to edithandwriting input data input by the user using the display apparatus 10.Further, for example, the setting unit 17 sets viewing authority basedon which another user is authorized to view handwriting input data inputby the user using the display apparatus 10. Furthermore, for example,the setting unit 17 sets edit authority based on which the user who usesthe display apparatus 10 is authorized to edit handwriting input datainput by another user who uses another display apparatus 10.

The edit restriction unit 18, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 201 or the CPU 301, restricts edit ofhandwriting input data that is input by another user who does not havethe edit authority based on authority information set by the settingunit 17. Furthermore, for example, when the user does not have the editauthority for editing handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser, the edit restriction unit 18 displays, on the display screen, anedit restriction notification indicating that the user does not have theedit authority. In the present disclosure, the term “edit” refers toselecting, inputting, adding, changing, deleting, enlarging, reducing,or moving an image, text, or handwriting input data displayed on thedisplay screen of the display apparatus 10 according to an inputoperation received by the reception unit 12.

The non-sharing notification unit 19 is mainly implemented by thedisplay controller 213 that operates according to instructions of theCPU 201, or instructions of the CPU 301. The non-sharing notificationunit 19 displays, on the display screen, a non-sharing notificationindicating that handwriting input data by the user using the displayapparatus 10 is not shared by another user using another displayapparatus 10.

The viewing request notification unit 21 is mainly implemented by thedisplay controller 213 that operates according to instructions of theCPU 201, or instructions of the CPU 301. The viewing requestnotification unit 21 displays, on the display screen, a viewing requestnotification indicating that a viewing request requesting permission toview handwriting input data that is input by the user who uses thedisplay apparatus 10 has been transmitted from another display apparatus10.

The edit authority request notification unit 22 is mainly implemented bythe display controller 213 that operates according to instructions ofthe CPU 201, or instructions of the CPU 301. The edit authority requestnotification unit 22 displays, on the display screen, an edit authorityrequest notification indicating that an edit authority requestrequesting permission to edit handwriting input data that is input bythe user using the display apparatus 10 has been transmitted fromanother display apparatus 10.

The recommendation notification unit 23 is mainly implemented by thedisplay controller 213 that operates according to instructions of theCPU 201, or instructions of the CPU 301. When the handwriting input datathat is input by the user using the display apparatus 10 overlaps withsecond handwriting data input that is input by another user usinganother display apparatus 10, the recommendation notification unit 23displays, on the display screen, an authority change recommendationnotification indicating recommendation for a change in the editauthority.

The selection unit 24, which is mainly implemented by instructions ofthe CPU 201 or the CPU 301, selects handwriting input data to be editedfor each user who has input the handwriting input data.

The detection unit 25, which is mainly implemented by instructions ofthe CPU 201 or the CPU 301, detects writing pressure of an input to thedisplay screen as the handwriting input screen.

The external device communication unit 26 is mainly implemented by theexternal device connection I/F 206 that operates according toinstructions of the CPU 201, or the external device connection I/F 307that operates according to instructions of the CPU 301. The externaldevice communication unit 26 receives input of various types ofinformation from the external device connected to the display apparatus10.

The storing/reading unit 29, which is implemented by instructions of theCPU 201 or the CPU 301, stores various data or information in thestorage unit 1000 or reads out various data or information from thestorage unit 1000.

Functional Configuration of Communication Management Apparatus:

Referring to FIG. 8, a functional configuration of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A is described according to the embodiment. Thecommunication management apparatus 50A includes a transmission/receptionunit 51, an authentication unit 52, an event information generation unit53, a sharing area generation unit 54, an event information managementunit 55, an authority information management unit 56, and astoring/reading unit 59. These units are functions that are implementedby or that are caused to function by operating any of the hardwareelements illustrated in FIG. 5 in cooperation with the instructions ofthe CPU 501 according to the control program for the communicationmanagement apparatus, the control program being expanded from the HD 504to the RAM 503. The communication management apparatus 50A furtherincludes a storage unit 5000 that is implemented by the ROM 502, the HD504, or the storage medium 515 illustrated in FIG. 5.

The transmission/reception unit 51 is mainly implemented by the networkI/F 509 that operates according to instructions of the CPU 501. Thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits or receives various data orinformation to or from other apparatuses or terminals through thecommunication network 5.

The authentication unit 52, which is implemented by instructions of theCPU 501, performs authentication processing of a user who participatesin an event using the display apparatus 10.

The event information generation unit 53, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 501, generates event information relating to anevent conducted by a user.

The sharing area generation unit 54, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 501, generates the sharing area that isdisplayed as being shared by the plurality of display apparatuses 10.

The event information management unit 55, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 501, manages the event information generated bythe event information generation unit 53.

The authority information management unit 56, which is mainlyimplemented by instructions of the CPU 501, manages authorityinformation indicating various authorities for handwriting input datathat is input by a certain user, the authorities being assigned to otherusers.

The storing/reading unit 59, which is implemented by instructions of theCPU 501, stores various data or information in the storage unit 5000 orreads out various data or information from the storage unit 5000.

User Information Management Table:

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a userinformation management table according to the embodiment. The userinformation management table stores user information identifying userswho participate in an event. In the storage unit 5000, a userinformation management database (DB) 5001 is stored, for example, in theform of the user information management table as illustrated in FIG. 9.The user information management table stores the user informationassociating a user ID identifying a user, a user name, a password, andan e-mail address with each other. The e-mail address is an example ofdestination information indicating a user destination.

Event Information Management Table:

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an eventinformation management table according to the embodiment. The eventinformation management table stores the event information relating to anevent conducted by a user. In the storage unit 5000, an eventinformation management DB 5002 is stored, for example, in the form ofthe event information management table as illustrated in FIG. 10. Theevent information management table stores the event informationassociating an event ID identifying an event, an event name, an eventdate/time when the event is conducted, a participating user whoparticipates in the event, and a file storage location where an eventfile generated in the event is stored with each other.

The event date/time indicates, for example, the date and time when theevent file was updated most recently. In another example, the eventdate/time indicates the date and time when the corresponding event isfirst conducted. In still another example, the start date/time and theend date/time of the event are be stored. The participating userindicates a user name of a user who has participates in the event.Further, the rile storage location indicates information of a storagedestination in which various event files are stored. For example, thefile storage location is a data path in the communication managementapparatus 50A. In another example, the file storage location is auniform resource locator (URL) or a uniform resource identifier (URI)external to the communication management apparatus 50A. Example of theevent file stored in the file storage location includes, but are notlimited to, a metadata file 500, a handwriting input data file 550, andsharing area data of an event generated by the sharing area generationunit 54.

Metadata File:

FIG. 11 is a view of an example of the metadata file 500 according tothe embodiment. The metadata file 500 illustrated in FIG. 11 is an eventfile generated in a conducted event. The metadata file 500 indicates, asmetadata, a log of operations performed on the display screen, such asmoving, enlarging, or reducing the display screen, for each user. Themetadata file 500 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes an event name (“Name”)a start time (“Start”) and an end time (“End”) of an event, and anoperation log (“OperationLog”) for each user. The operation logincludes, as a display area (“ViewArea”) for each user, area informationindicating a coordinate position (“X”, “Y”) and a size (“Width”,“Height”) of the display area, and display log data indicating a displaytime (“Time”).

The example illustrated in FIG. 11 indicates that an event named “ThemeA, Regular meeting 1” was held from “2021/01/15, 13:00” to “2021/01/15,15:00”. Further, the example of FIG. 11 indicates that the displayapparatus 10 used by a participant “userA” first displays an area whoseupper left corner is at (X, Y)=(10, 310) of the sharing area and havinga width of 100 pixels and a height of 80 pixels for 100 seconds, and thedisplayed area moves to an area whose upper left corner is (X, Y)=(100,210) according to an operation by “user A”. The area last displayed bythe display apparatus 10 used by “userA” is an area of (X, Y)=(150,130). Furthermore, the example of FIG. 11 indicates that an area lastdisplayed by the display apparatus 10 used by “userB” is an area of (X,Y)=(105, 1200). Moreover, the example of FIG. 11 indicates that an arealast displayed by the display apparatus 10 used by “userC” is an area of(X, Y)=(130, 1300). The metadata file 500 stores such an operation logfor each user. Although FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which a dataformat of the metadata file 500 is a JavaScript Object Notation (Json)format, the metadata file 500 is in any other data format.

Handwriting Input Data File:

FIG. 12 is a view of an example of the handwriting input data file 550according to the embodiment. The handwriting input data file 550illustrated in FIG. 12 is an event file generated in a conducted event.The handwriting input data file 550 indicates, as object data, anoperation log of handwriting input objects such as a stroke or a stamp.The handwriting input data file 550 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes abackground color (“BackgroundColor”) of the sharing area and object data(“Objects”) indicating an input log of objects input by handwriting. Theobject data includes an object type (“Type”), detailed data information(“Data”) indicating content of an object, a user name (“User”) who hasinput the object, and a date/time (“Date”) when the object has beeninput. Examples of the object type include, but are not limited to, astroke and a stamp. When the object type is a stroke, for example, thedetailed data information includes data of a trajectory (“Points”) ofcoordinate positions of the stroke, a line thickness (“Thin”), and aline color (“Color”). When the object type is a stamp, for example, thedetailed data information includes data of a coordinate position(“Points”), a size (“Size”), and an image file (“Image”) of the stamp.

The example illustrated in FIG. 12 indicates that “userA” inputs, to thesharing area having a background color (BackgroundColor) of white, ablack stroke having a thickness of five pixels from the coordinates (X,Y)=(10, 10) to (X, Y)=(30, 30) at “2021/01/15, 13:32”. The example ofFIG. 12 further indicates that, after the above input of the stroke.“userB” inputs an image file “Circle. jpg” having a size of 20 pixels×20pixels at a position with coordinates (X, Y)=(100, 200) as the leftupper corner at “2021/01/15, 13:40”. The handwriting input data file 550stores such object data for each object that is input. Although FIG. 12illustrates an example in which a data format of the handwriting inputdata file 550 is a Json format, the handwriting input data file 550 isin any other data format. The stroke and the stamp merely examples ofthe object type. In another example, the object type includes textsobtained by applying optical character reader (OCR) processing tostrokes representing symbols such as characters or numbers,system-generated characters such as date or time, certain figures suchas triangles, stars or circles, or lines such as arrows, line segments,or Bezier curves.

In another example, the metadata file 500 and the handwriting input datafile 550 are stored in the storage unit 1000 of the display apparatus 10participating in the event, in addition to in the storage unit 5000 ofthe communication management apparatus 50A. In this case, the displayapparatus 10 stores the log data including metadata indicating anoperation log of operations by a user who uses the display apparatus 10and handwriting input data in the storage unit 1000. In another example,in a case the display apparatus 10 has a server function, metadataincluding operation logs of operations by all users participating in anevent and handwriting input data are stored in the storage unit 1000.

Authority Information Management Table:

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an authorityinformation management table according to the embodiment. The authorityinformation management table stores the authority information indicatingvarious authorities of other users for handwriting input data input by acertain user. In the storage unit 5000, an authority informationmanagement DB 5003 is stored, for example, in the form of the authorityinformation management table as illustrated in FIG. 13. The authorityinformation management table stores, for each event ID identifying anevent, the authority information associating a user ID identifying auser who has input handwriting input data, a user name of the user, andthe edit authority and the viewing authority as examples of variousauthorities for the handwriting input data with each other. Theauthority information stored in the authority information management DB5003 is shared as authority information common to the displayapparatuses 10 used respectively by the users participating in theevent. The shared authority information is stored in the storage unit1000 of the display apparatus 10 while the event is being conducted.

The example of FIG. 13 indicates a setting state in which no user(“null”) has the edit authority for handwriting input data input by“userA”, and only “userB” has the viewing authority for handwritinginput data input by “userA”. Further, the example of FIG. 13 indicates asetting state in which only “userC” has the edit authority and theviewing authority for handwriting input data input by “userB”.Furthermore, the example of FIG. 13 indicates a setting state in whichno user (“null”) has the edit authority and the viewing authority forthe handwriting input data input by “userC”.

Processes or Operation of Embodiment:

Operation at Event Start:

Referring to FIG. 14 to FIG. 40, processes and operations by the screensharing system 1 according to the first embodiment are described. Thefollowing description is provided of an example of an operationperformed by the display apparatus 10A1 used by the user A and thedisplay apparatus 10B used by the user B. The same or substantially thesame operation is performed by the display apparatus 10C used by theuser C illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, adisplay screen displayed on the display apparatus 10 at the start of anevent is described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating anexample of an operation of displaying a screen at the start of an event.

First, in response to an operation by the user A to the input device ofthe display apparatus 10A1, the reception unit 12A of the displayapparatus 10A1 receives an input of a user ID and a password (step S11).Next, the transmission/reception unit 11A transmits login requestinformation to the communication management apparatus 50A (step S12).The login request information includes the user ID and password receivedin step S11. Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of thecommunication management apparatus 50A receives the login requestinformation transmitted by the display apparatus 10A1.

Next, the authentication unit 52 of the communication managementapparatus 50A performs user authentication using the user ID andpassword received in step S12 (step S13). Specifically, thestoring/reading unit 59 searches the user information management DB 5001(see FIG. 9) using a set of the user ID and the password received instep S12 as a search key, to determine whether the same set of the userID and the password is stored. When the same set of the user ID and thepassword is stored, the authentication unit 52 determines that the userA who has sent the login request is an authorized user. When the sameset of the user ID and the password is not stored, the authenticationunit 52 determines that the user A who has sent the login request is notauthorized (unauthorized) user. When the user A is an unauthorized user,the transmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the display apparatus10A1, a notification indicating that the user A is an unauthorized user.In the following, an example in which the user A is an authorized useris described.

Next, the sharing area generation unit 54 newly generates a sharingarea, which is a handwriting input area that is displayed as beingshared by a plurality of display apparatuses (step S14). Next, the eventinformation management unit 55 generates event information relating toan event to be started (step S15). Specifically, the event informationgenerated in step S15 is information indicating an event TD identifyingthe event, an event name, a start time of the event, and a storagelocation where an event file generated in the event is stored. The eventinformation management unit 55 stores the generated event information inan event information management DB 5002 (see FIG. 10) via thestoring/reading unit 59.

In addition, the authority information management unit 56 generates, foreach user, authority information indicating edit authority and viewingauthority for handwriting input data that input in the event (step S16).At the start of event, the authority information is set such that, forexample, all users have the edit authority and the viewing authority forhandwriting input data that is input by other users. The authorityinformation management unit 56 stores the generated authorityinformation in the authority information management DB 5003 (see FIG.13) via the storing/reading unit 59.

Next, the transmission/reception unit 51 transmits data of the sharingarea generated in step S14, the event information generated in step S15,and the authority information generated in step S16 to the displayapparatus 10A1 (step S17). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11Aof the display apparatus 10A1 receives the data of the sharing area, theevent information, and the authority information transmitted by thecommunication management apparatus 50A.

Then, the display control unit 13A of the display apparatus 10A1controls the display (e.g., the display 280 or the display 306) todisplay a sharing area 700 represented by the data of the sharing areareceived in step S17 (step S18). FIG. 15 is an illustration of anexample of the sharing area 700. The sharing area 700 illustrated inFIG. 15 is a handwriting input screen that is displayed as being sharedwith one or more other display apparatuses 10 in the event. The sharingarea 700 is a state in which multiple objects are input by handwritinginput operations performed by users participating in the event on thedisplay screen. Since the sharing area 700 is larger than a display areaof the display screen of the display apparatus 10, at least a part ofthe sharing area 700 is displayed as the display area on the displayscreen of the display apparatus 10. The user participating in the eventdisplays a desired area of the sharing area 700 in the event, to performhandwriting input and viewing of an object.

Further, in substantially the same manner as the above-describedprocessing by the display apparatus 10A1, in response to an operation bythe user B to the input device of the display apparatus 10B, thereception unit 12B of the display apparatus 10B receives an input ofuser information including a user ID and a password (step S19). Next,the transmission/reception unit 11B transmits login request informationto the communication management apparatus 50A (step S20). The loginrequest information includes the user ID and password received in stepS19. Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A receives the login request informationtransmitted by the display apparatus 10B.

Next, the authentication unit 52 of the communication managementapparatus 50A performs user authentication using the user ID andpassword received in step S20 in substantially the same manner asprocessing of step S13 (step S21). Next, based on the completion ofauthentication of the user B by the authentication unit 52, the eventinformation management unit 55 reads the event information generated inthe step S15 from the event information management DB 5002 via thestoring/reading unit 59 (step S22). Further, the authority informationmanagement unit 56 reads the authority information generated in the stepS16 from the authority information management DB 5003 via thestoring/reading unit 59 (step S23).

Next, the transmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the displayapparatus JOB, data of the sharing area generated in step S14, the eventinformation read in step S22, and the authority information read in stepS23 (step S24). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11B of thedisplay apparatus 10B receives the data of the sharing area, the eventinformation, and the authority information transmitted by thecommunication management apparatus 50A. Then, the display control unit13B of the display apparatus 10B controls the display device to displaythe sharing area 700 represented by the received data of the sharingarea, in substantially the same manner as processing by the displayapparatus 10A1 in step S17 (step S25).

Thus, the screen sharing system 1 allows the plurality of displayapparatuses 10 participating in the event to share and display thesharing area 700 as the handwriting input screen.

Operation of Setting Authority:

Referring to FIG. 16 to FIG. 19, an operation of setting the editauthority and the viewing authority assigned to another user isdescribed, the edit authority and the viewing authority authorizinganother user to edit and view handwriting input data input by a user.FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofsetting authority for another user.

First, the reception unit 12A of the display apparatus 10A1 receivesselection of a setting button 150 displayed on the display screen 100Adisplayed on the display (step S51). FIG. 17A is an illustration of anexample of the display screen 100A. The display screen 100A illustratedin FIG. 17a is a screen displayed on the display of the displayapparatus 10A1. On the display screen 100A, at least apart of thesharing area 700 illustrated in FIG. 15 is displayed. Further, thedisplay screen 100A includes the setting button 150, which is pressed toperform an authority setting. The reception unit 12 receives selectionof the setting button 150 by an input operation by the user A on thedisplay screen 100A, for example.

Next, in response to receiving the selection of the setting button 150by the reception unit 12A in step S51, the display control unit 13Adisplays an authority setting screen 400 on the display screen 10A (stepS52). FIG. 17B is an illustration of an example of the authority settingscreen 400. The display screen 100A illustrated in FIG. 17B displays theauthority setting screen 400 for setting the edit authority and theviewing authority based on which one or more users other than the user Aare permitted to edit and view handwriting input data that input by theuser A. The authority setting screen 400 includes an edit authoritysetting button 410 and a user information input area 415. The editauthority setting button 410 allows, when selected, the user A to setthe editing authority of one or more other users for the handwritinginput data that is input by the user A. The user information input area415 is an area in which the user A enters a user who is to be permittedto edit the handwriting input data that is input by the user A. Theauthority setting screen 400 further includes a viewing authoritysetting button 430 and a user information input area 435. The viewingauthority setting button 430 allows, when selected, the user A to setthe viewing authority of another user for the handwriting input datathat is input by the user A. The user information input area 435 is anarea in which the user A enters a user who is to be permitted to viewthe handwriting input data that is input by the user A.

The example of FIG. 17B illustrates an example state in which usersexcept for the user B are restricted from editing the handwriting inputdata input by the user A. Further, FIG. 17B illustrates an example statein which no restriction for viewing the handwriting input data thatinput by the user A is set, and therefore all the users are permitted toview the handwriting input data that is input by the user A. A user forwhom settings of not restricting edit or viewing are configured can editor view the handwriting input data (written content) of the user A. Bycontrast, a user for whom settings of restricting edit or viewing areconfigured cannot edit or view the handwriting input data (writtencontent) of the user A. Thus, the user A can set authority for the userA's writing by an input operation on the authority setting screen 400.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18, in the user information input area415 of the authority setting screen 400, a user or a user group selectedby the user A from candidates of other users or user groups eachincluding multiple users retrieved from a list of participants of theevent is set. When a particular user group is set, all users belongingto the particular user group are set user group are authorized to editthe handwriting input data that is input by the user A. In anotherexample, in the user information input area 415, the user A directlyenters a desired user name or user group name as a search key to set aparticular user or user group in the user information input area 415.The above setting of the user or user group also applies to the userinformation input area 435. The description provided above withreference to FIG. 17B and FIG. 18 is of an example in which a user whois to be permitted to edit or view is entered in the user informationinput area 415 or the user information input area 435 in a state inwhich edit or viewing is restricted. However, in another example, a userwho is to be restricted from editing or viewing is entered in a state inwhich edit or viewing is permitted.

Next, in response to a predetermined operation by the user A on theauthority setting screen 40), the setting unit 17A sets the authority ofanother user for the handwriting input data input by the user A (stepS53). The authority setting changed by the setting unit 17A is stored inthe storage unit 1000A as the authority information in the event beingconducted. Then, the setting unit 17A generates setting change datarelating to the authority changed in step S53 (step S54). The settingchange data is generated in the data format of json format, for example.For example, the setting data is in the format of{“authority”:[{“userA”:[{“edit”:[null],“view”:[“userB”, “userC”]}]}]}.Specifically, the setting unit 17A designates a user who changes thesetting with “userA”, and designates users who are restricted fromviewing and editing with “edit” and “view” respectively.

Then, the transmission/reception unit 11A transmits the setting changedata generated in step S54 to the communication management apparatus 50A(step S55). The setting change data includes an event ID identifying theevent being conducted and the authority information indicating theauthority that is set in step S53. Thereby, the transmission/receptionunit 51 of the communication management apparatus 50A receives thesetting change data transmitted by the display apparatus 10A1.

Next, the authority information management unit 56 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A searches the authority information managementDB 5003 (see FIG. 13) using the event ID included in the setting changedata received in step SSS as a search key. Thereby, the authorityinformation management unit 56 updates the authority informationassociated with the same event ID as the received event ID to thereceived authority information (step S56). Further, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits (transfers) the setting changedata received in step S55 to the display apparatus 10B (step S57).Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11B of the display apparatus10B receives the setting change data transmitted by the displayapparatus 10A1.

The setting unit 17B of the display apparatus 10B changes the authoritysetting based on the authority information included in the settingchange data received in step S57 (step S58). The authority settingchanged by the setting unit 17B is stored in the storage unit 1000B asthe authority information in the event being conducted.

Thus, the screen sharing system 1 sets various authorities for otherusers using the authority setting screen 400, thereby permitting onlyone or more particular users to view or edit handwriting input data(written content). Further, the screen sharing system 1 uses the settingchange data to share the authority information set by a certain displayapparatus 10 with one or more other display apparatuses 10, therebyallowing users participating in an event to share the authority settingfor the handwriting input data. Further, the screen sharing system 1performs authority setting using the authority setting screen 400displayed on the display screen 100, thereby enhancing user'soperability in configuring authority settings. As described above, thescreen sharing system 1 can share the authority information that is setin the display apparatus 10 with another display apparatus 10 via thecommunication management apparatus 50A. In this way, another device suchas the communication management apparatus 50A may intervene between thedisplay apparatuses.

Further, the display apparatus 10A1 can set the viewing authority andthe edit authority of one or more users for the handwriting input datainput by the user A, thereby preventing the one or more other users fromviewing the process of writing or correction or preventing the one ormore users from editing the user A's writing. For example, the user Acancels the restriction after finishing the work, thereby allowing oneor more other users to view and edit the handwriting input data.Accordingly, content of the handwriting input data to be shared by oneor more other users is switched flexibly.

Referring to FIG. 19, an example of an authority setting screen 400,which is a variation of the authority setting screen 400, is described.FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example of the authority setting screen400 a. The authority setting screen 400 a illustrated in FIG. 19 is ascreen that allows the user A to set, for each user, authority to editor view handwriting input data by the user A. The authority settingscreen 400 a includes an edit authority setting area 410 a for settingedit authority of other users for handwriting input data input by theuser A and a viewing authority setting area 430 a for setting viewingauthority of other users for handwriting input data input by the user A.The edit authority setting area 410 a includes a batch setting button420, an individual setting button 421, and an individual setting button422. The batch setting button 420 allows, when selected, the user A toset edit authority for all users at once. The individual setting button421 and the individual setting button 422 are buttons, each allowing,when selected, the user A to set edit authority for each user. The editauthority setting area 430 a includes a batch setting button 440, anindividual setting button 441, and an individual setting button 442. Thebatch setting button 440 allows, when selected, the user A to setviewing authority for all users at once. The individual setting button441 and the individual setting button 442 are buttons, each allowing,when selected, the user A to set edit authority for each user. FIG. 19illustrates an example state in which all the users are restricted fromediting the handwriting input data that is input by the user A. Further,FIG. 19 illustrates an example state in which only the user B isrestricted from viewing the handwriting input data that is input by theuser A. The authority setting screen 400 a is displayed on the displayscreen 100A in response to the user A's pressing of the setting button150 on the display screen 100A illustrated in FIG. 17A, in substantiallythe same manner as the authority setting screen 400.

In a case that there is a main user such as an administrator or an ownerof an event among a plurality of users who participate in the event,only the main user may refer to the authority setting screen 400 and theauthority setting screen 400 a, such that the main user sets variousauthorities. In this case, for example, in an event such as a class inwhich a teacher as the main user and multiple students as other usersparticipate, the teacher can configure settings such that the studentsare restricted from viewing and editing. In other words, while editingand viewing are restricted, content written by any student are notshared by other students, and only the teacher can check the writtencontent. Thus, for example, the teacher as the main user cancels therestriction of viewing to allow the students to share and check theirwritten contents, while maintaining the restriction on edit to preventinadvertent edit by other students.

Display of Handwriting Input Data:

Referring to FIG. 20 to FIGS. 27A and 27B, an operation of displayinghandwriting input data input by another user on a display screenaccording to the viewing authority of each user. FIG. 20 is a flowchartillustrating an example of an operation of display handwriting inputdata that is input by another user. A description provided withreference to FIG. 20 is of an example in which the display apparatus 10Cused by the user C receives handwriting input data that is input to thedisplay apparatus 10A1 used by the user A. However, such a combinationof the display apparatus 10C and the display apparatus 10A1 is merelyone example of the display apparatuses exchanging the handwriting inputdata therebetween. The same or substantially the same operation isperformed in any other combinations of the display apparatuses 10 usedby the users participating the event.

First, the transmission/reception unit 11C of the display apparatus 10Creceives handwriting input data transmitted by the display apparatus10A1 (step S71). This handwriting input data is handwriting input datathat is input by the user A. As illustrated in FIG. 21A, the handwritinginput data that is input by the user A is displayed on the displayscreen 100A of the display apparatus 10A1.

Next, the determination unit 14C determines whether the viewingauthority is assigned for the handwriting input data received in stepS71 (step S72). Specifically, the determination unit 14C refers to theauthority information set by the setting unit 17C, to determine whetherthe user C has the viewing authority for the user A who has input thereceived handwriting input data. When the determination unit 14Cdetermines that the user C has the viewing authority for the receivedhandwriting input data (YES in step S72), the operation proceeds to stepS73. Then, the display control unit 13C displays the receivedhandwriting input data on the display screen 100C (step S73).

By contrast, when the determination unit 14C determines that the user Cdoes not have viewing authority for the received handwriting input data(NO in step S72), the operation proceeds to step S74. Then, the displaycontrol unit 13C does not display the received handwriting input data onthe display screen 100C, thereby restricting viewing the handwritinginput data (step S74). Further, the display control unit 13C displays,on the display screen 100C, a viewing restriction notificationindicating that viewing of the handwriting input data that is input bythe user A is restricted (step S75).

FIG. 21B illustrates the display screen 100B displayed on the displayapparatus 10B as an example of a case in which the viewing authority forthe handwriting input data that is input by the user A is assigned.Since the user B has the viewing authority for the handwriting inputdata that is input by the user A, the display screen 100B illustrated inFIG. 21B displays the same handwriting input data as displayed on thedisplay screen 100A illustrated in FIG. 21A. Further, the display screen10B displays a user indication image 170 identifying a user who hasinput the displayed handwriting input data together with the handwritinginput data.

FIG. 21C illustrates the display screen 100C displayed on the displayapparatus 10C as an example of a case in which the user C does not haveviewing authority for the handwriting input data that is input. Sincethe user C does not have the viewing authority for the handwriting inputdata that is input by the user A, the handwriting input data displayedon the display screen 100A as illustrated in FIG. 21A is not displayedon the display screen 100C illustrated in FIG. 21C. Thus, the userC isrestricted from viewing the handwriting input data input data that isinput by the user A.

As described above, in response to receiving handwriting input data thatis input by another display apparatus 10, the display apparatus 10checks whether the viewing authority for the received handwriting inputdata is assigned, and displays the handwriting input data on the displayscreen only when the viewing authority is assigned. Thus, the screensharing system 1 allows a user to prevent another user who does not havethe viewing authority from viewing the user's own written content.Further, when the display apparatus 10 does not have the viewingauthority for the received handwriting input data, the display apparatus10 displays the viewing restriction notification described below on thedisplay screen.

Referring to FIGS. 22A to 22B to FIG. 24, notifications to be displayedon the display screen in a case that viewing of handwriting input datais restricted is described. FIG. 22A is an illustration of an example ofthe non-sharing notification. FIG. 22B is an illustration of an exampleof the viewing restriction notification.

FIG. 22A illustrates the display screen 100A displayed on the displayapparatus 10A1 as an example of a display screen when the user Arestricts other users (other display apparatuses) from viewinghandwriting input data that is input. The display screen 100Aillustrated in FIG. 22A includes a non-sharing notification 350indicating that the handwriting input data that is input by the user Ais not shared by other users. The non-sharing notification unit 19A ofthe display apparatus 10A1 displays the non-sharing notification 350 onthe display screen 100A when any of other users participating in anevent does not have viewing authority for the handwriting input datathat is input.

FIG. 22B illustrates the display screen 100C displayed on the displayapparatus 10C as an example of a display screen displayed when the userC is restricted from viewing handwriting input data that is input by theuser A. The display screen 100C illustrated in FIG. 22B includes aviewing restriction notification 450 indicating that viewing of thehandwriting input data that is input by the user A is restricted. Thisviewing restriction notification 450 is displayed on the display screen100C of the display apparatus 10C in the process of step S75, forexample.

In a case that written content written by another user is not sharedbecause the viewing authority is not assigned, a user (e.g., the user A)who inputs the content does not know whether the written content isshared, while a user (e.g., the user C) who is restricted from viewingdoes not know what kind of work is being performed by another user. Toaddress such as issue, the screen sharing system 1 displays, on thedisplay screen (e.g., the display screen 10A) of a user who restrictsother users from viewing the handwriting input data input by the user, anotification indicating that the handwriting input data (writtencontent) is not shared by other users. Further, the screen sharingsystem 1 displays, on the display screen (e.g., the display screen 100C)of a user who is restricted from viewing, a notification indicating thatanother user is inputting (writing) handwriting input data. Thus, thescreen sharing system 1 allows uses participating in an event to sharethe status of an operation occurring in the event even when viewing isrestricted between the users.

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 are each an illustration of another example of thenon-sharing notification displayed on the display screen 100A.Anon-sharing notification 360 displayed on the display screen 100Aillustrated in FIG. 23 includes an authority edit button 365, which,when selected (pressed), allow the user A to edit the authority ofanother user for the handwriting input data that is input by the user A.The non-sharing notification unit 19A of the display apparatus 10A1displays the non-sharing notification 360 on the display screen 100Awhen any of other users participating in an event does not have theviewing authority for the handwriting input data that is input. Inresponse to pressing of the authority edit button 365 by the user A, thedisplay control unit 13A of the display apparatus 10A1 displays theauthority setting screen 400 illustrated in, for example. FIG. 18. Thus,the display apparatus 10A1 allows the user A to change the authority ofanother user.

The non-sharing notification 370 displayed on the display screen 100Aillustrated in FIG. 24 includes a viewing permission button 375, which,when selected (pressed), allow the user A to permit another user who isrestricted from viewing to view. The non-sharing notification unit 19Aof the display apparatus 10A1 displays the non-sharing notification 370on the display screen 100A when any of other users participating in anevent does not have the viewing authority for the handwriting input datathat is input. In response to pressing of the viewing permission button375 by the user A, the setting unit 17A of the display apparatus 10A1changes the viewing authority so that viewing is permitted to otherusers who are restricted from viewing the handwriting input data that isinput by the user A. Compared with the non-sharing notification 360illustrated in FIG. 23, the non-sharing notification 370 illustrated inFIG. 24 allows the user to change the viewing authority directly on thenon-sharing notification 370 without performing authority settingprocessing using the authority setting screen 400, for example, therebysimplifying an operation by the user A.

Operation of Requesting Viewing:

Referring to FIG. 25 and FIGS. 26A and 26B, an operation of requestingviewing of handwriting input data for which viewing is restricted isdescribed. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of anoperation of requesting viewing to another user. A description providedwith reference to FIG. 25 is of an example in which the displayapparatus 10C used by the user C who is restricted from viewinghandwriting input data that is input by the user A requests the displayapparatus 10A1 used by the user A for viewing. However, such acombination of the display apparatus 10C and the display apparatus 10A1is merely one example of the display apparatuses exchanging the viewingrequest therebetween. The same or substantially the same operation isperformed in any other combinations of the display apparatuses 10 usedby the users participating the event.

The display control unit 13C of the display apparatus 10C displays aviewing restriction notification 480 on the display screen 100C (stepS91). FIG. 26A is an illustration of an example of the viewingrestriction notification 480. The viewing restriction notification 480illustrated in FIG. 26A includes a viewing request button 485, which,when selected (pressed), allows the user C to request viewing of thehandwriting input data for which viewing is restricted.

Next, the reception unit 12C receives selection of the viewing requestbutton 485 included in the viewing restriction notification 480 inresponse to an input operation by the user C (step S92). Thetransmission/reception unit 11C transmits, to the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A, viewing request information indicating arequest to view handwriting input data that is input the user A forwhich the viewing is restricted (step S93). This viewing requestinformation includes a user ID of a user as a destination user who is toreceive the viewing request. In this case, the transmission/receptionunit 11C transmits the viewing request information including the user IDof the user A. Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of thecommunication management apparatus 50A receives the viewing requestinformation transmitted by the display apparatus 10C. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 of the communication management apparatus50A transmits (transfers) the viewing request information transmitted bythe display apparatus 10C to the display apparatus 10A1 used by the userA as the request destination of the viewing request (step S94). Thereby,the transmission/reception unit 11A of the display apparatus 10A1receives the viewing request information transmitted by the displayapparatus 10C as a request source.

In response to receiving the viewing request information in step S94,the viewing request notification unit 21A of the display apparatus 10A1displays a viewing request notification 380 indicating that the viewingrequest has been made by the user C on the display screen 100A (stepS95).

Subsequently, the reception unit 12A of the display apparatus 10A1receives an operation to buttons (step S96). FIG. 26B is an illustrationof an example of the viewing request notification 380. The viewingrequest notification 380 illustrated in FIG. 26B includes an individualviewing permission button 381, an individual viewing denial button 382,and a batch viewing permission button 383. The individual viewingpermission button 381 allows, when selected (pressed), the user A topermit viewing by the user C as the request sender. The batch viewingpermission button 383 allows, when selected (pressed), the user A topermit viewing by all the users. In response to pressing of theindividual viewing permission button 381 or the batch viewing permissionbutton 383 by the user A, the setting unit 17A of the display apparatus10A1 changes the viewing authority so that a particular user (e.g., theuser C) corresponding to the selected button or all the users arepermitted to view the handwriting input data that is input by the userA. In another example, the display apparatus 10A1 is configured todisplay the authority setting screen 400 or the authority setting screen400 a in response to pressing of the individual viewing permissionbutton 381 or the batch viewing permission button 383 by the user A.

By contrast, in response to pressing of the individual viewing denialbutton 382 by the user A, the setting unit 17A of the display apparatus10A1 rejects viewing of handwriting input data that is input by the userA by a particular user (e.g., the user C) corresponding to the selectedbutton, and maintains the viewing authority unchanged. In this case, inone example, the user A determines whether to press the individualviewing denial button 382, e.g., whether to reject the viewing requestmade by another user (e.g., the user C) in view of content ofhandwriting input that is input by the user A. Further, in anotherexample, the user A determines whether to reject the viewing request inview of an attribute of another user who has sent the viewing requestand content of handwritten strokes. Examples of the attribute of anotheruser include, but are not limited to, a department to which another userbelongs, work in which another user is charge, and a job title ofanother user. In still another example, instead of or in addition to thedetermination by the user A, the determination unit 14A of the displayapparatus 10A1 determines whether to reject the viewing request based onthe attribute of another user who has sent the viewing request andcontent of a handwritten stroke. Examples of the attribute of anotheruser include, but are not limited to, a department to which another userbelongs, work in which another user is charge, and a job title ofanother user. The edit restriction unit 18A may reject viewing byanother user who has made the viewing based on the determination result.Based on individual viewing rejection information generated by theindividual viewing denial button 382 being pressed according to adetermination criterion as described above, the setting unit 17A of thedisplay apparatus 10A1 rejects viewing of handwriting input data that isinput by the user A by a particular user (e.g., the user C)corresponding to the selected button, and maintains the viewingauthority unchanged. When the individual viewing denial button 382 ispressed, a transition to the authority setting screen 400 or theauthority setting screen 400 a may be omitted.

Referring again to FIG. 25, the transmission/reception unit 11A of thedisplay apparatus 10A1 transmits viewing response information as aresponse to the viewing request information received in step S94 to thecommunication management apparatus 50A (step S97). Thereby, thetransmission/reception unit 51 of the communication management apparatus50A receives the viewing response information transmitted by the displayapparatus 10A1. Then, the transmission/reception unit 51 transmits theviewing response information received in step S97 to the displayapparatus 10C (step S98). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11Cof the display apparatus 10C receives the viewing response informationtransmitted by the communication management apparatus 50A. Subsequently,the display control unit 13C of the display apparatus 10C displays aresult for the viewing request (step S99). Thus, the display apparatus10C notifies the user C of the result for the viewing request.

FIG. 27A is an illustration of an example of a viewing permissionnotification 481. The viewing permission notification 481 illustrated inFIG. 27A includes a confirmation button 486, which, when selected,allows a user (e.g., the user C) as the request sender to confirm anotification indicating that the user C is permitted to view thehandwriting content. FIG. 27B is an illustration of an example of aviewing denial notification 482. The viewing denial notification 482illustrated in FIG. 27B includes a confirmation button 486, which, whenselected, allows a user (e.g., the user C) as the request sender toconfirm a notification indicating that the viewing by the user C as therequest sender is rejected.

Edit of Handwriting Input Data:

Referring to FIG. 28 to FIGS. 32A and 32B, an operation of editinghandwriting input data input by another user on a display screenaccording to the viewing authority of each user. FIG. 28 is a flowchartillustrating an example of an operation of editing handwriting inputdata that is input by another user. A description provided withreference to FIG. 28 is of an example in which handwriting input datathat is input to the display apparatus 10A1 used by the user A is editedat the display apparatus 10B used by the user B. However, such acombination of the display apparatus 108 and the display apparatus 10A1is merely one example of the display apparatuses between which editingof handwriting input data is performed. The same or substantially thesame operation is performed in any other combinations of the displayapparatuses 10 used by the users participating the event.

First, the reception unit 12B of the display apparatus 10B receives anedit operation on handwriting input data displayed on the display screen100B according to an input operation on the display screen 100B by theuser B (step S101).

Next, the determination unit 14B determines whether the edit authorityis assigned for the handwriting input data to be edited according to theedit operation received in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, thedetermination unit 14C refers to the authority information set by thesetting unit 17C, to determine whether the user B has the edit authorityfor the user A who has input the handwriting input data to be edited.When the determination unit 14B determines that the user B has the editauthority for the handwriting input data to be edited (YES in stepS102), the operation proceeds to step S103. Then, the display controlunit 13B performs an edit operation on the handwriting input data, anddisplays the edited handwriting input data on the display screen 100B(step S103).

By contrast, when the determination unit 14B determines that the user Bdoes not have the edit authority for the handwriting input data to beedited (NO in step S102), the operation proceeds to step S104. In stepS104, the edit restriction unit 18B restricts editing of the handwritinginput data to be edited. Further, the edit restriction unit 18Bdisplays, on the display screen 100B, an edit restriction notificationindicating that edit of the handwriting input data that is input by theuser A is restricted (step S105).

As described above, in response to receiving an editing operation on thedisplayed handwriting input data, the display apparatus 10 checkswhether the edit authority for the handwriting input data to be editedis assigned, and executes the editing operation only when the editauthority is assigned. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 restricts auser who does not have edit authority from editing handwriting inputdata (written content), thereby preventing handwriting input data frominadvertently edited by the display apparatus 10 for which the editauthority is not set. Further, when the display apparatus 10 does nothave the edit authority for the received handwriting input data, thedisplay apparatus 10 displays an edit restriction notification describedbelow on the display screen.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of an example of the edit restrictionnotification. FIG. 29 illustrates the display screen 100B displayed onthe display apparatus 10B as an example of a display screen displayedwhen the user B is restricted from editing handwriting input data thatis input by the user A. The display screen 100B illustrated in FIG. 29includes a user indication image 170 a and a user indication image 170b, each identifying a user who has input handwriting input data beingdisplayed, and an edit tool 190 used for editing the handwriting inputdata. The edit tool 190 is, for example, an erasing tool used whenerasing handwriting input data. The display screen 100B illustrated inFIG. 29 further includes an edit restriction notification 650 indicatingthat edit of the handwriting input data that is input by the user A isrestricted. In the example of FIG. 29, the edit restriction notification650 is displayed on the display screen 100B of the display apparatus OB,for example, when the user B tries to erase the handwriting input datathat is input by the user A using the edit tool 190. Thus, the displayapparatus 10B displays the edit restriction notification 650 when theuser B does not have the edit authority so that the user B recognizes areason why the user B cannot edit the handwriting input data.

Operation of Requesting Edit Authority:

Referring to FIG. 30 to FIGS. 32A and 32B, an operation of requestingedit authority for handwriting input data for which edit is restrictedis described. FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example ofan operation of requesting edit authority to another user. A descriptionprovided with reference to FIG. 30 is of an example in which the displayapparatus 10B used by the user B who is restricted from editinghandwriting input data that is input by the user A requests the displayapparatus 10A1 used by the user A for edit authority. However, such acombination of the display apparatus 10B and the display apparatus 10A1is merely one example of the display apparatuses exchanging the requestfor edit authority therebetween. The same or substantially the sameoperation is performed in any other combinations of the displayapparatuses 10 used by the users participating the event.

The edit restriction unit 18B of the display apparatus 10B displays anedit restriction notification 660 on the display screen 100B (stepS111). FIG. 31A is an illustration of an example of the edit restrictionnotification 660. The edit restriction notification 660 illustrated inFIG. 31A includes an edit authority request button 665, which, whenselected (pressed), allows the user B to request edit authority forhandwriting input data of which editing is restricted.

Next, the reception unit 12B receives selection of the edit authorityrequest button 665 included in the edit restriction notification 660 inresponse to an input operation by the user B (step S112). Thetransmission/reception unit 11B transmits, to the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A, edit authority request information indicatinga request for edit authority to handwriting input data that is input theuser A for which editing is restricted (step S113). This edit authorityrequest information includes a user ID of a user as a destination userwho is to receive the edit authority request information. In this case,the transmission/reception unit 11B transmits the edit authority requestinformation including the user ID of the user A. Thereby, thetransmission/reception unit 51 of the communication management apparatus50A receives the edit authority request information transmitted by thedisplay apparatus 10B. Then, the transmission/reception unit 51 of thecommunication management apparatus 50A transmits (transfers) the editauthority request information transmitted by the display apparatus LOBto the display apparatus 10A1 used by the user A as the requestdestination of the edit authority request information (step S114).Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11A of the display apparatus10A1 receives the edit authority request information transmitted by thedisplay apparatus 10B as a request source.

In response to receiving the edit authority request information in stepS114, the edit authority request notification unit 22A of the displayapparatus 10A1 displays an edit authority request notification 560indicating that the edit authority is requested from the user B on thedisplay screen 100A (step S115).

Subsequently, the reception unit 12A of the display apparatus 10A1receives an operation to buttons (step S116). FIG. 31B is anillustration of an example of the edit authority request notification560. The edit authority request notification 560 illustrated in FIG. 31Bincludes an individual edit permission button 561, an individual editdenial button 562, and a batch edit permission button 563. Theindividual edit permission button 561 allows, when selected (pressed),the user A to permit edit by the user B as the request sender. The batchedit permission button 563 allows, when selected (pressed), the user Ato permit edit by all the users. In response to pressing of theindividual edit permission button 561 or the batch edit permissionbutton 563 by the user A, the setting unit 17A of the display apparatus10A1 changes the edit authority so that a particular user (e.g., theuser B) corresponding to the selected button or all the users arepermitted to edit the handwriting input data that is input by the userA. In another example, the display apparatus 10A1 is configured todisplay the authority setting screen 400 or the authority setting screen400 a in response to pressing of the individual edit permission button561 or the batch edit permission button 563 by the user A.

By contrast, in response to pressing of the individual edit denialbutton 562 by the user A, the setting unit 17A of the display apparatus10A1 rejects edit of handwriting input data that is input by the user Aby a particular user (e.g., the user B) corresponding to the selectedbutton, and maintains the edit authority unchanged. In this case, in oneexample, the user A determines whether to press the individual editdenial button 562. e.g., whether to reject the edit authority requestmade by another user (e.g., the user B) in view of content ofhandwriting input that is input by the user A. Further, in anotherexample, the user A determines whether to reject the edit authority inview of an attribute of another user who has sent the edit authorityrequest and content of handwritten strokes. Examples of the attribute ofanother user include, but are not limited to, a department to whichanother user belongs, work in which another user is charge, and a jobtitle of another user. In still another example, instead of or inaddition to the determination by the user A, the determination unit 14Aof the display apparatus 10A1 determines whether to reject the editauthority request based on the attribute of another user who has sentthe edit authority request and content of a handwritten stroke. Examplesof the attribute of another user include, but are not limited to, adepartment to which another user belongs, work in which another user ischarge, and a job title of another user. The edit restriction unit 18Amay reject edit by another user who has requested the edit authoritybased on the determination result. Based on individual edit rejectioninformation generated by the individual edit denial button 562 beingpressed according to a determination criterion as described above, thesetting unit 17A of the display apparatus 10A1 rejects edit ofhandwriting input data that is input by the user A by a particular user(e.g., the user B) corresponding to the selected button, and maintainsthe edit authority unchanged. When the individual edit denial button 562is pressed, a transition to the authority setting screen 400 or theauthority setting screen 400 a may be omitted.

Referring again to FIG. 30, the transmission/reception unit 11A of thedisplay apparatus 10A1 transmits edit authority response information asa response to the edit authority request information received in stepS14 to the communication management apparatus 50A (step S117). Thereby,the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communication managementapparatus 50A receives the edit authority response informationtransmitted by the display apparatus 10A1. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits the edit authority responseinformation received in step S117 to the display apparatus 10B (stepS118). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11B of the displayapparatus 10B receives the edit authority response informationtransmitted by the communication management apparatus 50A. Subsequently,the display control unit 13B of the display apparatus 10B displays aresult for the edit authority request (step S119). Thus, the displayapparatus 10B notifies the user B of the result for the edit authorityrequest.

FIG. 32B is an illustration of an example of an edit authority approvalnotification 661. The edit authority approval notification 661illustrated in FIG. 32 includes a confirmation button 668, which, whenselected, allows a user (e.g., the user B) as the request sender toconfirm a notification indicating that the user B is permitted to editthe handwriting content. FIG. 32B is an illustration of an example of anedit authority denial notification 662. The edit authority denialnotification 662 illustrated in FIG. 32B includes a confirmation button668, which, when selected, allows a user (e.g., the user B) as therequest sender to confirm a notification indicating that the request foredit authority by the user B as the request sender is rejected.

Edit Restriction on Handwriting Input Data by Another User:

Referring to FIG. 33 to FIG. 37, an operation of setting edit authorityfor the handwriting input data that is input by another user isdescribed. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of anoperation of editing handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser. A description provided with reference to FIG. 33 is of an examplein edit authority for editing handwriting input data that is input byanother user (e.g., the user B) is set at the display apparatus 10A1used by the user A. In another example, the same or substantially thesame operation is performed in any of the display apparatuses 10 used bythe users participating the event.

First, the reception unit 12A of the display apparatus 10A1 receives anedit operation on handwriting input data displayed on the display screen100A according to an input operation on the display screen 100A by theuser A (step S151).

Next, the determination unit 14A determines whether edit of contentwritten by a user who has input the handwriting input data to be editedon which the edit operation is received in step S151 is restricted (stepS152). When the determination unit 14A determines that edit of thecontent written by the user who has input the handwriting input data tobe edited is restricted (YES in step S152), the operation proceeds tostep S153. Then, the display apparatus 10A1 displays, on the displayscreen 100A, a predetermined notification described below (step S153).By contrast, when the determination unit 14A determines that edit of thecontent written by the user who has input the handwriting input data tobe edited is permitted (NO in step S152), the operation proceeds to stepS154. Then, the display control unit 13A performs an edit operation onthe handwriting input data, and displays the edited handwriting inputdata on the display screen 100A (step S154).

Referring to FIG. 34 to FIG. 36, the predetermined notificationdisplayed on the display screen 10A in step S153 is described in detail.FIG. 34 is an illustration of an example of an edit restrictionnotification 830 displayed in step S153. FIG. 34 illustrates the displayscreen 100A displayed on the display apparatus 10A1 as an example of adisplay screen displayed when the user A does not have the editauthority for editing handwriting input data to be edited on which theuser A has performed the edit operation, the handwriting input databeing input by the user B. The display screen 100A illustrated in FIG.34 includes the user indication image 170 a and the user indicationimage 170 b, each identifying a user who has input handwriting inputdata being displayed. On the display screen 100A, handwriting input datathat is input by the user A and the user B is displayed. On the displayscreen 100A illustrated in FIG. 34, when the user A uses the edit tool190 to perform an edit operation of erasing the handwriting input datathat is input by the user B, the edit restriction unit 18A displays, onthe display screen 100A, the edit restriction notification 830indicating that edit of the handwriting input data that is input by theuser B is restricted. The edit restriction notification 830 includes anauthority edit button 835, which, when selected (pressed), allows theuser A to edit authority for handwriting input data that is input by theuser B.

In response to pressing of the authority edit button 835 by the user A,the display control unit 13A of the display apparatus 10A1 displays anauthority setting screen 800 illustrated in FIG. 35. Thus, the displayapparatus 10A1 allows the user A to change authority for the handwritinginput data that is input by another user. In another example, thedisplay apparatus 10A1 directly cancels the edit restriction in responseto pressing of the authority edit button 835 by the user A. In thiscase, the setting unit 17A changes the edit authority so that edit bythe user A is permitted for a user who has input the correspondinghandwriting input data.

Thus, the display apparatus 10A1 displays the edit restrictionnotification 830 when the user A does not have the edit authority sothat the user A recognizes a reason why the user A cannot edit thehandwriting input data such as the user's attribute including adepartment to which the user belongs, work in which the user is charge,and a job title. Further, the display apparatus 10A1 allows the user Ato change the edit authority for handwriting input data that is input byanother user.

FIG. 35 is an illustration of an example of the authority setting screen800. The authority setting screen 800 illustrated in FIG. 35 includes,in addition to content of the authority setting screen 400 illustratedin FIG. 17, an edit authority setting button 810 and a user informationinput area 815. The edit authority setting button 810 allows, whenselected, the user A to set edit authority for editing handwriting inputdata (written content) that is input by another user. The userinformation input area 815 is an area in which the user A enters a userfor whose handwriting input data the user A is to be permitted to edit.The example of FIG. 35 illustrates an example state in which the user Ais restricted from editing handwriting input data that is input by usersexcept for the user C. The setting unit 17A changes the edit authorityof the user A for writing by one or more other users according to aninput operation by the user A on the authority setting screen 800.

As described above, the screen sharing system 1 allows a user to set notonly various authorities of other users for writing by the user but alsothe user's own edit authority for writing by other users on theauthority setting screen 800. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 preventscontent written by other users from being inadvertently edited. Inanother example, the authority setting screen 800 allows a user to set,for each user, the user's own edit authority for handwriting input datathat is input by other users, in substantially the same manner as theauthority setting screen 400 a illustrated in FIG. 19. In still anotherexample, the authority setting screen 800 is displayed on the displayscreen 100A in response to the user A's pressing of the setting button150 on the display screen 100A illustrated in FIG. 17A, in substantiallythe same manner as described above.

FIG. 36 is an illustration of an example of an authority changerecommendation notification 850 displayed in step S153. FIG. 36illustrates the display screen 100A displayed on the display apparatus10A1 as an example of a display screen displayed when an edit operationby the user A overlaps with handwriting input data that is input byanother user. When the overlap between the edit operation by the user Aand handwriting input data that is input by the user B is detected, therecommendation notification unit 23 displays, on the display screen100A, the authority change recommendation notification 850 thatrecommends the user A to change the authority.

In detecting the overlap between the edit operation of the user A andthe handwriting input data that is input by the user, for example, eachtime a coordinate position (Point) of an object included in ahandwriting input data file is added, a path (trajectory) between pointsequences (coordinate positions) of the object is defined, and theoverlap between the handwriting input data is detected in response todetection of an intersection point of the defined paths. In a case thatthe format of the object is a stamp instead of a stroke but a stamp orthe like, for example, the overlap between the handwriting input data isdetected by detecting whether a point sequence is added to an area ofthe object specified by the coordinate position (Point) and size (Size)of the stamp.

The authority change recommendation notification 850 includes an editrestriction button 855, which, when selected (pressed), to allow theuser A to restrict the user A from editing an input by another user whoinputs handwriting input data for which the overlap is detected. Inresponse to pressing edit restriction button 855 by the user A, thesetting unit 17A changes the edit authority so that the user A isrestricted from editing an input by another user who inputs handwritinginput data for which the overlap is detected. In another example, thedisplay apparatus 10A1 is configured to display the authority settingscreen 800 in response to pressing of the edit restriction button 855 bythe user A. Thus, the display apparatus 10A1 displays the authoritychange recommendation notification 850 when the overlap with thehandwriting input data by another user is detected, thereby allowing theuser A to input (write) a new object without affecting the writing byanother user.

Further, to distinguish writing by a given user from writing by anotheruser than the given user as illustrated in FIG. 36, as illustrated inFIG. 37, a layer on which the given user performs handwriting input andanother layer on which another user performs handwriting input areprovided. The two layers are superimposed one on the other anddisplayed, to display the display screen 100A. FIG. 37 illustrates anexample of the display screen 100A on which a writing layer of the userA including writing by the user A and a writing layer of another userincluding writing by another user are superimposed and displayed. Inthis case, the display apparatus 10A1 applies the authority informationthat is set by the setting unit 17A for each user to each writing layerof each user. The edit restriction unit 18 restricts a user who does nothave the edit authority to perform editing to the writing layer forwhich edit is restricted.

Thus, the screen sharing system 1 sets edit authority for editinghandwriting input data that is input by another user in addition to thevarious authorities of another user for handwriting input data input bythe user himself/herself, thereby preventing the user from inadvertentlyediting written content by another user.

Application Example of Editing Operation:

Referring to FIG. 38 to FIGS. 40A and 40B, an application example of anedit operation on handwriting input data is described. Referring to FIG.38 and FIG. 39, an example in which handwriting input data to be editedusing an edit tool is described. FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are illustrationsof examples of edit operation selection screens.

The display screen 10) illustrated in FIG. 38 includes an edit operationselection screen 900 for selecting handwriting input data to be erased.The edit operation selection screen 900 is displayed in response to auser's operation of selecting an edit tool 190 a displayed on thedisplay screen 100. The edit tool 190 a is a selection tool used forselecting handwriting input data to be erased, for example. The editoperation selection screen 900 includes a selection area 901, aselection area 903, and a selection area 905. The selection area 901 isselected when an erasing operation is to be performed on all inputhandwriting input data. The selection area 903 is selected when anerasing operation is to be performed on only handwriting input data thatis input by the user himself/herself. The selection area 905 is selectedwhen an erasing operation is to be performed on only handwriting inputdata that is input by another user. When the user selects any one of theselection area 901, the selection area 903, and the selection area 905,the selection unit 24 of the display apparatus 10 switches a mode from amode in which writing is performed to a mode in which written content iserased, for example, and selects particular handwriting input data to beerased based on the selected condition. For example, when the selectionarea 901 is selected, all of the handwriting input data is selected asdata to be erased. When the selection area 903 is selected, only thehandwriting input data that is input by the user himself/herself isselected as data to be erased. When the selection area 905 is selected,only the handwriting input data that is input by another user is as datato be erased.

The display screen 100 illustrated in FIG. 39 includes an edit operationselection screen 910 for selecting handwriting input data tocollectively selected. The edit operation selection screen 910 isdisplayed in response to a user's operation of selecting an edit tool195 displayed on the display screen 100. The edit tool 195 is aselection tool used for selecting handwriting input data to be edited,for example. The edit operation selection screen 910 includes aselection area 911, a selection area 913, and a selection area 915. Theselection area 911 is selected when a selection operation is to beperformed on all input handwriting input data. The selection area 913 isselected when a selection operation is to be performed on onlyhandwriting input data that is input by the user himself/herself. Theselection area 915 is selected when a selection operation is to beperformed on only handwriting input data that is input by another user.When the user selects any one of the selection area 911, the selectionarea 913, and the selection area 915, the selection unit 24 of thedisplay apparatus 10 switches a mode from a mode in which writing isperformed to a mode in which selection of written content is performed,for example, and selects particular handwriting input data to beselected based on the selected condition. For example, when theselection area 911 is selected, all of the handwriting input data isselected as data to be selected. When the selection area 913 isselected, only the handwriting input data that is input by the userhimself/herself is selected as data to be selected. When the selectionarea 915 is selected, only the handwriting input data that is input byanother user is as data to be selected.

Thus, when an edit operation such as erase or selection is to beperformed on handwriting input data that is input to the display screen100, the display apparatus 10 switches handwriting input data to beedited for each user who has input the handwriting input data using theedit tool 190 a or the edit tool 195.

Referring to FIG. 40A and FIG. 40B, an operation of switching an editoperation according to a writing pressure that is input to the displayscreen 100 is described. FIG. 40A and FIG. 40B are illustrations fordescribing an example of switching of an edit operation based on writingpressure. When the user is going to erase handwriting input data that isinput to the display screen 100, if the writing pressure on the displayscreen 100 is light, only the handwriting input data of the user iserased. By contrast, if the writing pressure on the display screen 100is heavy, all handwriting input data including handwriting input data ofanother user are erased.

FIG. 40A illustrates an edit operation performed when the display screen100 is touched with light writing pressure. The detection unit 25 of thedisplay apparatus 10 detects writing pressure that is input by the userto the display screen 100. As illustrated in the left figure of FIG.40A, when the writing pressure detected by the detection unit 25 islight, the display screen 100 displays an edit area 180 a having arelatively small size. In this state, when the user performs anoperation using the edit tool 190, only the handwriting input data thatis input by the user is erased. On the other hand, FIG. 40B illustratesan edit operation performed when the display screen 100 is touched withheavy writing pressure. As illustrated in the left figure of FIG. 40B,when the writing pressure detected by the detection unit 25 is heavy,the display screen 100 displays an edit area 180 b having a relativelylarge size. In this state, when the user performs an operation using theedit tool 190, all handwriting input data including handwriting inputdata that is input by another user are erased. In one example, the size(e.g., the length of the radius) of each of the edit area 180 a and theedit area 180 b is changed in proportion to the writing pressure.

When the detected writing pressure is light, the display apparatus 10displays a small erase circle such as the edit area 180 a and erasesonly the user's own handwriting input data. On the other hand, when thedetected writing pressure is heavy, the display apparatus 10 displays alarge erase circle such as the edit area 180 b and erases all thehandwriting input data. In the disclosure, for example, a deviceconfigured to receive an input with writing pressure is used to detectwriting pressure, and the writing pressure is acquired as an input of anumerical value of “0 to 1”. The detection unit 25 process a firstacquired input as light writing pressure. When the writing pressureexceeds “0.6”, the detection unit 25 processes the input as heavywriting pressure. When the writing pressure becomes below “0.4”, thedetection unit 25 processes the input as light writing pressure. Inanother example, in detection of the writing pressure, the displayapparatus 10 sets a writing pressure threshold value (in the aboveexample, “0.6” and “0.4”) for each user who performs handwriting input.This is because the writing pressure of handwriting varies depending onusers. Such a setting of the writing pressure detection threshold valuefor each user implements an edit operation on handwriting input dataaccording to the writing pressure intended by each user. This preventshandwriting input data from being erased inadvertently. Further, thisprevent a situation from occurring in which handwriting input data isnot even if the user tries to erase the handwriting input data.

Accordingly, the display apparatus 10 can switch the handwriting inputdata to be edited according to the writing pressure that is input to thedisplay screen 100 as a handwriting input screen. Erasing handwritinginput data is merely one example of the edit operation. In anotherexample, the edit operation includes other editing contents such asselection of handwriting input data. In still another example, thedisplay apparatus 10 is configured to switch handwriting input data tobe edited from one to another based on, in addition to the writingpressure, other operation contents such as a contact time with thedisplay screen 100.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the screensharing system 1 sets edit authority assigned to other users for editinghandwriting input data that is input by a certain user, thereby allowingonly a user having the edit authority to perform an edit operation.Further, the screen sharing system 1 sets viewing authority assigned toother users for viewing handwriting input data that is input by acertain user, thereby allowing only a user having the viewing authorityto view the handwriting input data. Thus, the screen sharing system 1can set authority for handwriting input data for each user, therebyallowing a user to extensively use the handwriting input screen withoutworrying about operations by other users, while preventing inadvertentedit.

Further, in the screen sharing system 1, the display apparatus 10displays the authority setting screen 400, the authority setting screen400 a, and the authority setting screen 800 on which authority can beset for each user, to allow a user to configure settings of authorityfor handwriting input data. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 enhances auser's operability in configuring settings of the authority.

In the above-described embodiment, the display apparatus 10 performs theviewing restriction and the edit restriction on the handwriting inputdata. In another example, the communication management apparatus 50Aperforms the viewing restriction process and the edit restrictionprocess on the handwriting input data. In this case, the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A performs the viewing restriction and the editrestriction on handwriting input data to be displayed on the displayapparatus 10 used by each user based on the authority information ofeach user stored in the authority information management DB 5003.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment is described below. In the second embodiment, thecommunication management apparatus 50B determines whether to approve aviewing request and an edit authority request made by a user. Since thescreen sharing system 1 according to the second embodiment has the sameor substantially the same overall configuration of the screen sharingsystem 1 according to the first embodiment, redundant descriptions ofthe apparatuses or terminals of the system are omitted below. Further,since the apparatuses of the screen sharing system 1 according to thesecond embodiment have the same or substantially the same hardwareconfigurations of the apparatuses or terminals of the screen sharingsystem 1 according to the first embodiment, redundant descriptions ofthe hardware resources of the apparatuses or terminals are omittedbelow.

Functional Configuration:

Next, a functional configuration of the screen sharing system 1 isdescribed according to the second embodiment. FIG. 41 is a block diagramillustrating an example of a functional configuration of the screensharing system 1 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 41, some of functional units illustrated in FIG. 8 are exchangedbetween a display apparatus 10A2 and the communication managementapparatus 50B. Specifically, the determination unit 14A, the settingunit 17A, and the edit restriction unit 18A of the display apparatus10A1 of FIG. 8 are replaced with a determination unit 57, a setting unit58, and an edit restriction unit 60 of the communication managementapparatus 50B, respectively. The functional configuration of eachfunctional unit in the display apparatus 10A2 and the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B including the replaced functions is the same orsubstantially the same as that described in the first embodiment exceptfor the determination unit 57, the setting unit 58, and the editrestriction unit 60 described below, and thus detailed descriptionthereof is omitted below.

The determination unit 57, which is mainly implemented by instructionsof the CPU 501, performs various determinations in the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B. The setting unit 58, which is mainlyimplemented by instructions of the CPU 501, sets various authorities forhandwriting input data input by a user who uses the display apparatus 10to another user who use another display apparatus 10. For example, thesetting unit 58 sets viewing authority based on which another user isauthorized to view handwriting input data input by the user using thedisplay apparatus 10. Further, for example, the setting unit 58 setsedit authority based on which another user is authorized to edithandwriting input data input by the user using the display apparatus 10.Furthermore, for example, the setting unit 58 sets edit authority basedon which the user who uses the display apparatus 10 is authorized toedit handwriting input data input by another user who uses anotherdisplay apparatus 10.

The edit restriction unit 60, which is mainly implemented byinstructions of the CPU 501, restricts edit of handwriting input datathat is input by another user who does not have the edit authority basedon authority information set by the setting unit 17 of the displayapparatus 10. Further, for example, when the user does not have the editauthority for editing handwriting input data that is input by anotheruser, the edit restriction unit 60 edits an edit restrictionnotification indicating that the user does not have the edit authority,the edit restriction notification being displayed on the display screenof the display apparatus 10. In the present disclosure, the term “edit”refers to controlling an operation such as selecting, inputting, adding,changing, deleting, enlarging, reducing, or moving an image, text, orhandwriting input data displayed on the display screen of the displayapparatus 10 according to an input operation received by the receptionunit 12 of the display apparatus 10.

In another example, the screen sharing system 1 has both functions ofthe functional configuration (see FIG. 8) of the display apparatus 10A1(display apparatus 10) described in the first embodiment and thefunctional configuration (see FIG. 41) of the communication managementapparatus 50B described in the second embodiment. In other words, as forthe determination unit, the setting unit, and the edit restriction unitin the screen sharing system 1, a functional configuration may beconfigured in which any one of the determination unit 14A and thedetermination unit 57, any one of the setting unit 17A and the settingunit 58, and any one of the edit restriction unit 18A and the editrestriction unit 60 has a function and executes the function. In stillanother example, in addition to the determination unit, the settingunit, and the edit restriction unit described above, a functionalconfiguration is configured in which one or more other functions areallocated to any one of the display apparatus 10A2 (the displayapparatus 10) and the communication management apparatus 50B, and thedisplay apparatus 10A2 and the communication management apparatus 50Bexecutes the allocated functions.

Processes or Operation of Embodiment:

Referring to FIG. 42 to FIG. 45, processes and operations by the screensharing system according to the second embodiment are described. Sincethe screen sharing system according to the second embodiment performsthe same or substantially the same operation performed at the start ofan event and operation of setting authority as described in the firstembodiment, redundant descriptions of such operations are omitted below.

Request for Displaying Handwriting Input Data:

Referring to FIG. 42, an operation of causing another display apparatusto display handwriting input data that is input on a display screen byanother user according to viewing authority of each user. FIG. 42 is aflowchart illustrating an example of an operation of restricting viewingof handwriting input data that is input by another user, according tothe second embodiment. A description provided with reference to FIG. 42is of an example in which the display apparatus 10C used by the user Creceives handwriting input data that is input to the display apparatus10A2 used by the user A. However, such a combination of the displayapparatus 10C and the display apparatus 10A2 is merely one example ofthe display apparatuses exchanging the handwriting input datatherebetween. The same or substantially the same operation is performedin any other combinations of the display apparatuses 10 used by theusers participating the event.

First, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B receives handwriting input data transmitted bythe display apparatus 10A2 (step S211). This handwriting input data ishandwriting input data that is input by the user A. As illustrated inFIG. 21A of the first embodiment, the handwriting input data that isinput by the user A is displayed on the display screen 100A of thedisplay apparatus 10A2.

Next, the determination unit 57 determines whether the viewing authorityis assigned for the handwriting input data received in step S211 (stepS212). Specifically, the determination unit 57 refers to the authorityinformation set by the setting unit 58, to determine whether the user Chas the viewing authority for the user A who has input the receivedhandwriting input data. When the determination unit 57 determines thatthe user C has the viewing authority for the received handwriting inputdata (YES in step S212), the operation proceeds to step S213. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the display apparatus 10C,display permission information indicating that display of thehandwriting input is permitted so that the display apparatus 10Cdisplays the received handwriting input data on the display screen 100C(step S213).

By contrast, when the determination unit 57 determines that the user Cdoes not have viewing authority for the received handwriting input data(NO in step S212), the operation proceeds to step S214. Then, the editrestriction unit 60 restricts viewing of the handwriting input data(step S214). Then, the edit restriction unit 60 transmits, to thedisplay apparatus 10C via the transmission/reception unit 51, viewingrestriction display request information indicating a request fordisplaying a viewing restriction notification, the viewing restrictionnotification indicating that viewing of the handwriting input data thatis input by the user A is restricted (step S215). Since each screenexample displayed on the display apparatus 10 can be implemented insubstantially the similar manner to the contents illustrated in FIG. 21Ato FIG. 24 of the first embodiment, redundant illustrations anddescriptions thereof are omitted below.

As described above, in response to receiving handwriting input datadisplayed at a certain display apparatus 10, the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B determines whether the viewing authority forthe received handwriting input data is assigned to another displayapparatus 10, and transmits, to another display apparatus, the displaypermission information of the handwriting input data only when theviewing authority is assigned to another display apparatus. Thus, thescreen sharing system 1 restricts a user who does not have viewingauthority from viewing handwriting input data (written content), therebypreventing handwriting input data from inadvertently viewed by thedisplay apparatus 10 for which the viewing authority is not set.Further, when the display apparatus 10 does not have the viewingauthority for the received handwriting input data, the display apparatus10 displays the viewing restriction notification on the display screen.Thus, in the second embodiment, the communication management apparatus50B determines whether the viewing authority is assigned and whetherdisplay of the handwriting input data is to be performed. This reducesthe processing load on the display apparatus 10.

Operation of Requesting Viewing:

Referring to FIG. 43, an operation of requesting viewing of handwritinginput data for which viewing is restricted is described. FIG. 43 is asequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of requestingviewing to another user, according the second embodiment. A descriptionprovided with reference to FIG. 43 is of an example in which the displayapparatus 10C used by the user C who is restricted from viewinghandwriting input data that is input by the user A requests the displayapparatus 10A2 used by the user A for viewing. However, such acombination of the display apparatus 10C and the display apparatus 10A2is merely one example of the display apparatuses exchanging the viewingrequest therebetween. The same or substantially the same operation isperformed in any other combinations of the display apparatuses 10 usedby the users participating the event.

First, the display control unit 13C of the display apparatus 10Cdisplays the viewing restriction notification 480 on the display screen100C (step S221). The viewing restriction notification 480 is asillustrated in FIG. 26A.

Next, the reception unit 12C receives selection of the viewing requestbutton 485 included in the viewing restriction notification 480 inresponse to an input operation by the user C (step S222). Thetransmission/reception unit 11C transmits, to the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B, viewing request information indicating arequest to view handwriting input data that is input the user A forwhich the viewing is restricted (step S223). This viewing requestinformation includes a user ID of a user as a destination user who is toreceive the viewing request. In this case, the transmission/receptionunit 11C transmits the viewing request information including the user IDof the user A. Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of thecommunication management apparatus 50B receives the viewing requestinformation transmitted by the display apparatus 10C.

Next, the determination unit 57 of the communication managementapparatus 50B performs determination on the viewing request informationreceived in step S223 (step S224). Specifically, in response to thereceived viewing request information, the determination unit 57determines whether the user who uses the display apparatus 10C is to bepermitted to view the handwriting input data based on the attribute ofthe user who uses the display apparatus 10C that has transmitted theviewing request and a content of the handwritten stroke displayed on thedisplay apparatus 10A2. Examples of the attribute of the user who usesthe display apparatus 10C include, but are not limited to, a departmentto which the user belongs, work in which the user is charge, and a jobtitle of the user.

Next, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communication managementapparatus 50B transmits (transfers) determination result informationindicating a result of the determination performed on the viewingrequest transmitted by the display apparatus 10C to the displayapparatus 10A2 used by the user A as the request destination of theviewing request (step S225). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit11A of the display apparatus 10A2 receives the determination resultinformation for the viewing request transmitted by the display apparatus10C as a request source.

In response to receiving the determination result information for theviewing request in step S225, the viewing request notification unit 21Aof the display apparatus 10A2 displays the viewing request notification380 indicating that the viewing request has been made by the user Conthe display screen 100A (step S226). Then, the reception unit 12A of thedisplay apparatus 10A2 receives an operation to buttons (step S227).

The transmission/reception unit 11A of the display apparatus 10A2transmits, to the communication management apparatus 50B, determinationresponse information for the viewing request, as a response to thedetermination result information for the viewing request, thedetermination result information being received in step S225 (stepS228). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 508 receives the determination response informationfor the viewing request, the determination response informationtransmitted by the display apparatus 10A2. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the display apparatus 10C,viewing response information corresponding to the determination responseinformation for the viewing request, the determination responseinformation being received in step S228 (step S229). Thereby, thetransmission/reception unit 11C of the display apparatus 10C receivesthe viewing response information transmitted by the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B. Subsequently, the display control unit 13C ofthe display apparatus 10C displays a result for the viewing request(step S230). Thus, the display apparatus 10C notifies the user C of theresult for the viewing request.

Request for Editing Handwriting Input Data:

Referring to FIG. 44, an operation of editing handwriting input datathat is input by another user on a display screen according to theviewing authority of each user. FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating anexample of an operation of restricting edit of handwriting input datathat is input by another user, according to the second embodiment. Adescription provided with reference to FIG. 44 is of an example in whichhandwriting input data that is input to the display apparatus 10A2 usedby the user A is edited at the display apparatus 10B used by the user B.However, such a combination of the display apparatus 10B and the displayapparatus 10A2 is merely one example of the display apparatuses betweenwhich editing of handwriting input data is performed. The same orsubstantially the same operation is performed in any other combinationsof the display apparatuses 10 used by the users participating the event.

First, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B receives handwriting input data transmitted bythe display apparatus 10A2 (step S231). This handwriting input data ishandwriting input data that is input by the user A. As illustrated inFIG. 21A of the first embodiment, the handwriting input data that isinput by the user A is displayed on the display screen 10A of thedisplay apparatus 10A2.

Next, the determination unit 57 determines whether the edit authority isassigned for the handwriting input data received in step S231 (stepS232). Specifically, the determination unit 57 refers to the authorityinformation set by the setting unit 58, to determine whether the user Bhas the edit authority for the user A who has input the receivedhandwriting input data. When the determination unit 57 determines thatthe user B has the edit authority for the received handwriting inputdata (YES in step S232), the operation proceeds to step S233. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the display apparatus 10C,execution permission information indicating permission to perform editoperation so that performing the edit operation on the receivedhandwriting input data is permitted (step S233).

By contrast, when the determination unit 57 determines that the user Bdoes not have the edit authority for the handwriting input data to beedited (NO in step S232), the operation proceeds to step S234. In stepS234, the edit restriction unit 60 restricts editing of the handwritinginput data to be edited. Then, the edit restriction unit 60 transmits,to the display apparatus 10B via the transmission/reception unit 51,edit restriction display request information indicating a request fordisplaying an edit restriction notification, the edit restrictionnotification indicating that editing of the handwriting input data thatis input by the user A is restricted (step S235).

As described above, in response to receiving an edit operationinformation to handwriting input data displayed at a certain displayapparatus 10, the communication management apparatus 50B determineswhether the edit authority for the handwriting input data to be editedis assigned to another display apparatus 10, and transmits, to anotherdisplay apparatus, the execution permission information only when theedit authority is assigned to another display apparatus. Thus, thescreen sharing system 1 restricts a user who does not have editauthority from editing handwriting input data (written content), therebypreventing handwriting input data from inadvertently edited by thedisplay apparatus 10 for which the edit authority is not set. Further,when the display apparatus 10 does not have the edit authority for thereceived handwriting input data, the display apparatus 10 displays theedit restriction notification on the display screen. Thus, in the secondembodiment, the communication management apparatus 50B determineswhether the edit authority is assigned and whether edit of thehandwriting input data is to be performed. This reduces the processingload on the display apparatus 10.

Operation of Requesting Edit Authority:

Referring to FIG. 45, an operation of requesting edit authority forhandwriting input data for which edit is restricted is described. FIG.45 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation ofrequesting edit authority to another user, according the secondembodiment. A description provided with reference to FIG. 45 is of anexample in which the display apparatus 10B used by the user B who isrestricted from editing handwriting input data that is input by the userA requests the display apparatus 10A2 used by the user A for editauthority. However, such a combination of the display apparatus 10B andthe display apparatus 10A2 is merely one example of the displayapparatuses exchanging the request for edit authority therebetween. Thesame or substantially the same operation is performed in any othercombinations of the display apparatuses 10 used by the usersparticipating the event.

First, the display control unit 13B of the display apparatus 10Bdisplays information indicating that an edit operation is permitted orthe edit restriction notification 660 on the display screen 100B (stepS241). The edit restriction notification 660 is as illustrated in FIG.31A.

Next, the reception unit 12B receives selection of the edit authorityrequest button 665 included in the edit restriction notification 660 inresponse to an input operation by the user B (step S242). Thetransmission/reception unit 11B transmits, to the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B, edit authority request information indicatinga request for edit authority to handwriting input data that is input theuser A for which editing is restricted (step S243). This edit authorityrequest information includes a user ID of a user as a destination userwho is to receive the edit authority request information. In this case,the transmission/reception unit 11B transmits the edit authority requestinformation including the user ID of the user A. Thereby, thetransmission/reception unit 51 of the communication management apparatus50B receives the edit authority request information transmitted by thedisplay apparatus 10B.

Next, the determination unit 57 of the communication managementapparatus 50B performs determination on the edit authority requestinformation received in step S243 (step S244). Specifically, in responseto the received edit authority request information, the determinationunit 57 determines whether the user who uses the display apparatus 10Bis to be permitted to edit the handwriting input data based on theattribute of the user who uses the display apparatus 10B that hastransmitted the edit authority request and a content of the handwrittenstroke displayed on the display apparatus 10A2. Examples of theattribute of the user who uses the display apparatus 10B include, butare not limited to, a department to which the user belongs, work inwhich the user is charge, and a job title of the user.

Next, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communication managementapparatus 50B transmits (transfers) determination result informationindicating a result of the determination performed on the edit authorityrequest transmitted by the display apparatus 10B to the displayapparatus 10A2 used by the user A as the request destination of the editauthority request (step S245). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit11A of the display apparatus 10A2 receives the determination resultinformation for the edit authority request transmitted by the displayapparatus 10B as a request source.

In response to receiving the determination result information for theedit authority request information in step S245, the edit authorityrequest notification unit 22A of the display apparatus 10A2 displays theedit authority request notification 560 indicating that the editauthority is requested from the userB on the display screen 100A (stepS246). Then, the reception unit 12A of the display apparatus 10A2receives an operation to buttons (step S247).

The transmission/reception unit 11A of the display apparatus 10A2transmits, to the communication management apparatus 50B, determinationresponse information for the edit authority request, as a response tothe determination result information for the viewing request, thedetermination result information being received in step S245 (stepS248). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 51 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B receives the determination response informationfor the edit authority request, the determination response informationtransmitted by the display apparatus 10A2. Then, thetransmission/reception unit 51 transmits, to the display apparatus 10B,the edit authority response information for the edit authority request,the edit authority response information being received in step S248(step S249). Thereby, the transmission/reception unit 11B of the displayapparatus 10B receives the edit authority response informationtransmitted by the communication management apparatus 50B. Subsequently,the display control unit 13B of the display apparatus 10B displays aresult for the edit authority request (step S250). Thus, the displayapparatus 10B notifies the user B of the result for the edit authorityrequest.

The allocation of the functions of the display apparatus 10 and thecommunication management apparatus 50B in the screen sharing system 1described above in the second embodiment is merely one example. Inanother example, the functions can be allocated in any other suitablemanner.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the screensharing system 1 is configured such that the communication managementapparatus 50B includes various determination functions on a viewingrequest and an edit authority request from another display apparatus 10(10B or 10C), such determination functions being provided in the displayapparatus 10 in the first embodiment. Thus, the display apparatus 10does not need to perform various determination processing. Accordingly,the display apparatus 10 can mainly concentrate on processing of screendisplay and data communication. Such a system configuration reduces aprocessing load on the display apparatus 10, and thus, for example, acomfortable use environment is provided to a user who uses the displayapparatus 10.

Variations of Embodiment:

Referring to FIG. 46 to FIG. 50, a variation of the screen sharingsystem according to an embodiment is described. In the variation, thesame reference numbers are allocated to elements (members or components)having the same function as those of the above-described embodiments,and redundant description thereof is omitted below. The screen sharingsystem 1 according to the variation is an example of a system in which asharing area shared and displayed by the plurality of displayapparatuses 10 includes multiple pages.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how thesharing area is displayed at the display apparatuses 10 according to thevariation of the embodiments. In FIG. 46, the display apparatus 10A, thedisplay apparatus 10B, and the display apparatus 10C share the sharingarea divided into multiple pages, to conduct an event such as ateleconference. Each of the display apparatus 10A, the display apparatus10B, and the display apparatus 10C displays a desired page among themultiple pages included in the sharing area on the display screen.Further, since the display apparatus 10A, the display apparatus 108, andthe 10C display different pages respectively, the users can view desiredpages respectively during the event. For example, each page of themultiple pages included in the sharing area is an area having the samesize as that of the display screen of the display apparatus 10. Inanother example, each page is an expandable area in which handwritingcan be input without any size restrictions as in the above-describedembodiments.

FIG. 47 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of displayscreen information according to the variation of the embodiments. FIG.47 illustrates an example of a state of a display screen displayed onthe display apparatus 10. In the example of FIG. 47, the display screenhas a hierarchical structure of “event”, “page (page 1 to page 3)”, and“object (object 1 to object 5)”. The “Object” corresponds to handwritinginput data, and is managed for each “page”. The “Page” represents aone-page image displayed on the display screen. Further, the “event”indicates information of an event executed by the display apparatus 10.For example, Object 1 includes an object ID (id=sr001) identifyingObject 1, information (parent=pag01) identifying Page 1 in which Object1 is present, and a global id (gid) “g001” of Object 1. For example,when an operation such as movement is performed on an image representedby Object 1, the object ID (id=sr001) is unchanged, while the gid “g001”of Object 1 is updated.

The display apparatus 10 can switch from one page to other page, and the“page” corresponds to each page of screens displayed at the displayapparatus 10. For example, Page 1 includes a page ID (id=pag01)identifying Page 1, information (parent=G001) identifying an “event”executed at the display apparatus 10, and gid “g01” of Page 1. The“event” corresponds to an event executed by the display apparatus 10,and is managed by an event ID (id=G001) identifying the event and thegid “g1” of the event. The gid in each layer is assigned by thecommunication management apparatus 50A or the communication managementapparatus 50B when the screen data is shared with other displayapparatuses 10. Further, the hierarchical structure of the displayscreen information illustrated in FIG. 47 is shared between theplurality of display apparatuses 10 when screen data is shared.

FIG. 48 is a view of an example of a metadata file according to thevariation of the embodiments. The metadata file 500 a illustrated inFIG. 48 is stored in the storage unit 5000 of the communicationmanagement apparatus 50A or the communication management apparatus 50B,in substantially the same manner as the metadata file 500 illustrated inFIG. 11. Compared with the metadata file 500 illustrated in FIG. 11, themetadata file 500 a includes, as the area information indicated in thedisplay area (“ViewArea”) for each user, information of a page number(“Page”) in addition to the coordinate position (“X”, “Y”) and the size(“Width”, “Height”) of the display area.

FIG. 49 is a view of an example of a handwriting input data file 550 aaccording to the variation of the embodiments. The handwriting inputdata file 550 a illustrated in FIG. 49 is stored in the storage unit5000 of the communication management apparatus 50A or the communicationmanagement apparatus 50B, in substantially the same manner as thehandwriting input data file 550 illustrated in FIG. 12. Compared withthe handwriting input data file 550 illustrated in FIG. 12, thehandwriting input data file 550 a includes information of a page number(“Page”) on which an object is input as the detailed data information(“Data”) indicated in the object data (“Objects”).

FIG. 50 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a screeninformation management table, according to the variation of theembodiments. In the storage unit 5000 of the communication managementapparatus 50A or the communication management apparatus 50B, a screeninformation management DB is stored, for example, in the form of thescreen information management table as illustrated in FIG. 50. Thescreen information management table stores and manages, for each eventID identifying an event executed by each of the display apparatuses 10,various data relating to a display screen shared by the displayapparatuses 10. Data indicated in the screen information managementtable corresponds to the state of the display screen (see FIG. 47)described as the display screen information in the display apparatus 10.

For example, the data indicated in the screen information managementtable includes an ID for identifying each data, a sequence numberindicating an order determined by time when each data was generated,information (“body”) indicating the content of each data, andinformation (“parent”) for identifying a parent of each data. The screeninformation management table includes, for example, an event ID foridentifying an event being conducted and information (“children”)indicating a page generated in the event. Further, for example, for pagedata, the screen information management table includes a page ID foridentifying a page (page data) and information (parent) for identifyingan event as a parent.

Furthermore, for example, for object data, the screen informationmanagement table includes an object ID for identifying object datagenerated in an event, information indicating a content of the objectdata, and information (parent) for identifying a parent page (pagedata). In this case, the information (body) indicating the content ofthe object data includes the color of the input object, the widthindicating the thickness of the line of the input object, the vertices(x, y) of the input object, and information on a user who has input theobject. The color of the object is represented in a data format of RGBA(Red Green Blue Alpha), and each element is represented by a numericalvalue of 0 to 255. The width of the thickness of the line of the objectis represented by the number of pixels. The vertices of the object arerepresented by X-Y coordinates. A Bezier curve obtained from thevertices forms a line segment indicating the object.

As described above, the screen sharing system 1 according to thevariation can conduct an event using multiple display apparatuses 10even when the sharing area includes multiple pages.

As described above, the screen sharing system 1 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure shares a handwriting input screenbetween a first display apparatus (e.g., the display apparatus 10A) usedby a first user (e.g., the user A) and a second display apparatus (e.g.,the display apparatus 10B or the display apparatus 10C) used by a seconduser (e.g., the user B or the user C). The first display apparatus setsedit authority of a second user for first handwriting input data that isinput by the first user, and the second display apparatus restricts editof the first handwriting input data based on the edit authority set bythe first display apparatus. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 can setthe edit authority of the user for the handwriting input data on auser-by-user basis.

Further, in the screen sharing system according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a first display apparatus (e.g., a display apparatus10A) used by a first user (e.g., a user A) sets viewing authority of asecond user (e.g., a user B or a user C) for a first handwriting inputdata that is input by the first user, and a second display apparatus(e.g., the display apparatus 10B or the display apparatus 10C) used bythe second user displays the first handwriting input data based on theviewing authority set by the first display apparatus. Thus, the screensharing system 1 can set the viewing authority of the user for thehandwriting input data on a user-by-user basis.

Furthermore, in the screen sharing system according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, a first display apparatus (e.g., the displayapparatus 10A) used by a first user (e.g., the user A) sets editauthority of the first user for second handwriting input data that isinput by a second user (e.g., the user B or the user C) and restrictsedit of the second handwriting input data based on the set editauthority when the first user does not have the edit authority for thesecond handwriting input data. Thus, the screen sharing system 1 can setthe edit authority for editing handwriting input data the input byanother user in addition to the authority of another user forhandwriting input data that is input by the user himself/herself. Thisprevents the user from inadvertently editing written content by anotheruser.

According to the method of the related art, authority for editinghandwriting input data that is input to a shared handwriting inputscreen cannot be set for each of multiple users.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, authority forediting handwriting input data is set for each user.

According to one or more embodiments, a screen sharing system includes afirst display apparatus used by a first user, and a second displayapparatus used by a second user. The first display apparatus and thesecond display apparatus share a handwriting input screen. The firstdisplay apparatus includes first circuitry to set an edit authority ofthe second user for first handwriting input data that is input by thefirst user. The second display apparatus includes second circuitry torestrict edit of the first handwriting input data based on the editauthority set by the first display apparatus.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus sets an edit authority of the first user for secondhandwriting input data that is input by the second user, and restrictsedit of the second handwriting input data based on the edit authoritythat is set, when the first user does not have the edit authority forthe second handwriting input data.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus displays a first layer including writing by the firstuser and a second layer including writing by the second user assuperimposed one on the other, and restricts edit on the second layerwhen the first user does not have the edit authority on the writing bythe second user.

In the above screen sharing system, when the first user does not havethe edit authority for the second handwriting input data, the firstcircuitry of the first display apparatus displays a second editrestriction notification indicating that the edit on the second layer isrestricted.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus changes the edit authority for the second handwritinginput data according to an input to the displayed second editrestriction notification.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus displays an authority change recommendationnotification recommending a change of a setting of the edit authoritywhen the first handwriting input data and the second handwriting inputdata overlap each other.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus changes the setting of the edit authority for thesecond handwriting input data according to an input to the displayedauthority change recommendation notification.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus selects handwriting input data to be edited from thefirst handwriting input data and the second handwriting input data foreach of the first user and the second user who input the firsthandwriting input data and the second input data respectively.

In the above screen sharing system, the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus detects a writing pressure of an input to thehandwriting input screen, and switches handwriting input data to beedited from the between the first handwriting input data and the secondhandwriting input data based on the detected writing pressure.

According to one or more embodiments, a display control method isprovided that is performed by a display apparatus that shares ahandwriting input screen with another display apparatus used by anotheruser. The display control method includes receiving authorityinformation indicating an edit authority for handwriting input datainput by said another user. The method includes restricting edit of thehandwriting input data based on the received authority information.

According to one or more embodiments, a non-transitorycomputer-executable medium storing a program storing instructions isprovided, which, when executed by a processor of a display apparatusthat shares a handwriting input screen with another display apparatusused by another user, causes the display apparatus to perform a method.The method includes receiving authority information indicating an editauthority for handwriting input data input by said another user. Themethod includes restricting edit of the handwriting input data based onthe received authority information.

Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be implemented byone or more processing circuits or circuitry. Processing circuitryincludes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. Aprocessing circuit also includes devices such as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SOC), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), and conventional circuit components arranged toperform the recited functions.

Each of the tables of the above-described embodiments may be generatedby learning effect of machine learning. In addition, in alternative tousing the tables, the data of each related item may be classified by themachine learning. In the present disclosure, the machine learning isdefined as a technology that makes a computer to acquire human-likelearning ability. In addition, the machine learning refers to atechnology in which a computer autonomously generates an algorithmrequired for determination such as data identification from learningdata loaded in advance and applies the generated algorithm to new datato make a prediction. Any suitable learning method is applied for themachine learning, for example, any one of supervised learning,unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning,and deep learning, or a combination of two or more of these learning.

The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit thepresent invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may becombined with each other and/or substituted for each other within thescope of the present invention.

Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in variousother ways, for example, in an order different from the one describedabove.

1. A screen sharing system comprising: a first display apparatusincluding first circuitry; and a second display apparatus includingsecond circuitry, wherein both of the first display apparatus and thesecond display apparatus display an input screen, the first circuitry ofthe first display apparatus is configured to receive first hand draftedinput data that is input to the first display apparatus, and set an editauthority, of a user of the second display apparatus, for the first handdrafted input data, and the second circuitry of the second displayapparatus is configured to restrict editing of the first hand draftedinput data based on the edit authority of the user set by the firstdisplay apparatus.
 2. The screen sharing system of claim 1, wherein thefirst circuitry of the first display apparatus transmits authorityinformation, indicating the edit authority that is set for the user, tothe second display apparatus, and the second circuitry of the seconddisplay apparatus restricts the editing of the first hand drafted inputdata based on the authority information transmitted by the first displayapparatus.
 3. The screen sharing system of claim 1, wherein the firstcircuitry of the first display apparatus sets the edit authorityaccording to an input to a setting screen that accepts an input ofsetting of the edit authority on a user-by-user basis.
 4. The screensharing system of claim 1, wherein the second circuitry of the seconddisplay apparatus restricts the editing of the first hand drafted inputdata in a case that the user does not have the edit authority for thefirst hand drafted input data.
 5. The screen sharing system of claim 1,wherein in a case that the user does not have edit authority for thefirst hand drafted input data, the second circuitry of the seconddisplay apparatus is further configured to control a display to displayan edit restriction notification indicating that the user does not havethe edit authority.
 6. The screen sharing system of claim 5, wherein thesecond circuitry of the second display apparatus is further configuredto receive an edit authority request for the first hand drafted inputdata according to an input to the displayed edit restrictionnotification, and transmit the edit authority request for the first handdrafted input data to the first display apparatus.
 7. The screen sharingsystem of claim 6, wherein the first circuitry of the first displayapparatus is further configured to control a display to display an editauthority request notification indicating that the second displayapparatus transmits the edit authority request.
 8. The screen sharingsystem of claim 7, wherein the first circuitry of the first displayapparatus is further configured to change the edit authority of the useraccording to an input to the displayed edit authority requestnotification.
 9. The screen sharing system of claim 1, wherein the firstcircuitry of the first display apparatus sets a viewing authority of theuser for the first hand drafted input data, and the second circuitry ofthe second display apparatus is further configured to control a displayto display the first hand drafted input data based on the viewingauthority set by the first display apparatus.
 10. The screen sharingsystem of claim 9, wherein the second circuitry of the second displayapparatus controls the display to display the first hand drafted inputdata in a case that the user has the viewing authority for the firsthand drafted input data.
 11. The screen sharing system of claim 9,wherein the second circuitry of the second display apparatus is furtherconfigured to control the display to display a viewing restrictionnotification indicating that viewing of the first hand drafted inputdata is restricted in a case that the user does not have the viewingauthority for the first hand drafted input data.
 12. The screen sharingsystem of claim 11, wherein the second circuitry of the second displayapparatus is further configured to receive a viewing request for thefirst hand drafted input data according to an input to the displayedviewing restriction notification, and transmit the viewing request forthe first hand drafted input data to the first display apparatus. 13.The screen sharing system of claim 12, wherein the first circuitry ofthe first display apparatus is further configured to control a displayto display a viewing request notification indicating that the seconddisplay apparatus transmits the viewing request.
 14. The screen sharingsystem of claim 13, wherein the first circuitry of the first displayapparatus changes the viewing authority of the user according to aninput to the displayed viewing request notification.
 15. The screensharing system of claim 9, wherein the first circuitry of the firstdisplay apparatus is further configured to control the display todisplay a non-sharing notification indicating that the first handdrafted input data is not shared by the user in a case that the userdoes not have the viewing authority for the first hand drafted inputdata.
 16. The screen sharing system of claim 1, wherein the firstdisplay apparatus is used by a first user, and the first circuitry ofthe first display apparatus is further configured to set a first editauthority of the first user for second hand drafted input data that isinput to the second display apparatus, and restrict editing of thesecond hand drafted input data based on the first edit authority in acase that the first user does not have authority to edit the second handdrafted input data.
 17. The screen sharing system of claim 16, whereinthe first circuitry of the first display apparatus is further configuredto control a display to display a first layer including input of thefirst user and a second layer including input of the user assuperimposed one on the other, and restrict editing of the second layerin a case that the first user does not have authority to edit the inputof the user.
 18. The screen sharing system of claim 16, wherein thefirst circuitry of the first display apparatus is further configured tocontrol a display to display an authority change recommendationnotification recommending a change of a setting of the first editauthority in a case that the first hand drafted input data and thesecond hand drafted input data overlap each other.
 19. A screen sharingmethod performed by a screen sharing system including a first displayapparatus and a second display apparatus, both of the first displayapparatus and the second display apparatus displaying an input screen,the screen sharing method comprising: receiving, by the first displayapparatus, first hand drafted input data that is input to the firstdisplay apparatus; setting, by the first display apparatus, an editauthority of a user of the second display apparatus for first handdrafted input data; and restricting, by the second display apparatus,editing of the first hand drafted input data based on the edit authorityof the user set by the first display apparatus.
 20. A display apparatus,comprising: a display that displays an input screen which is displayedby another display apparatus; and circuitry configured to: receiveauthority information from the another display apparatus, the authorityinformation indicating an edit authority of a user of the displayapparatus for editing hand drafted input data input to the anotherdisplay apparatus; and restrict editing of the hand drafted input databy the user based on the received authority information.